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Preview: Wales v Barbarians

Wales is the only country that awards Test caps against the Barbarians, a move that is frowned upon by the traditionalists.

Some critics have even suggested that the Welsh are devaluing international rugby, especially as veteran flank Martyn Williams will finally earn his 100th cap against a team which values the social side of their games more than the serious affairs.

The BaaBaas, a collection of big names in the game that get together a few days before a game and do very little serious training, are capable of entertaining.

However, they seldom have the structure to cope with settled teams.

And for some players in the Welsh team there are certainly more motivation to do well than for those from the 'club with no home ground'.

Dan Biggar is one such player, a man determined to shine against the Barbarians as he aims to wrestle the Wales flyhalf jersey from Rhys Priestland.

The Ospreys pivot has been named to take on the famous invitational club at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Following a two-year absence from the Test arena, Biggar made his international comeback against the Wallabies in December.

Now he aims to make the most of his opportunity on Saturday to ensure he makes the trip Down Under for Wales' three-Test tour of Australia.

"To see your name announced is something you want and to come back is a little bit like coming back into school," said Biggar.

"I am just really glad to be back and really looking forward to Saturday and, hopefully, if I get on the tour, pushing for a place out there.

"We are aware that the first-choice team flies out on Thursday and it's up to us, stepping up to the plate and showing we are competitive.

"There are a lot of guys pushing the starters all the way and a good game against the Barbarians will do our cause no harm."

Priestland is one of 16 players to jet Down Under in advance of the Barbarians match to begin preparations for the first Test.

James Hook is the other flyhalf contender but lines-up at inside-centre against the BaaBaas.

Biggar has been in irrepressible form in recent weeks and he demonstrated nerves of steel to slot a late, touchline conversion as the Ospreys snatched the Pro12 title from Leinster, last Sunday.

He has paid tribute to the way his Scarlets rival has made the famous red No.10 jersey his own but is determined to provide some fierce competition.

"Rhys has done superbly well over the last 12 months," added Biggar.

"He quite rightly deserves to be number one in the squad at the moment.

"We know where we are in the pecking order and it is about trying to change that pecking order.

"There is no point me being happy to be on the bench, or having a holiday, because I want to be pushing all the way.

"If I can push him, it will make him a better player and Wales a better team, then we are all winners."

Teams:

Barbarians: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Isa Nacewa, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Mike Tindall, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Richie Rees, 8 John Beattie, 7 Mamuka Gorgodze, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Mick O'Driscoll, 3 John Smit (captain), 2 Benoit August, 1 Duncan Jones.

Replacements: 16 Aled De Malmanche, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Anton Van Zyl, 19 Akapusi Qera, 20 Rory Lawson, 21 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 22 Cedric Heymans.

Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Harry Robinson, 13 Andrew Bishop, 12 James Hook, 11 Aled Brew, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Lloyd Williams, 8 Ryan Jones, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Josh Turnbull, 5 Ian Evans, 4 Alun Wyn Jones, 3 Rhodri Jones, 2 Matthew Rees (captain), 1 Rhys Gill.

Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Paul James, 18 Aaron Shingler, 19 Martyn Williams, 20 Rhys Webb, 21 Adam Warren, 22 Will Harries.

Date: Saturday, June 2

Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Kick-off: 14.00 (13.00 GMT)

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

Assistant referees: TBC (Ireland)

TMO: TBC (Wales)

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