Nine SA players in Barbarians side
Nine South African rugby players have been selected in Michael Cheika’s Barbarian squad that will do battle with English club Gloucester and Argentina later this month.
The Barbarians, who celebrate their 125th anniversary, have confirmed a full 24-man squad with a combined total of 682 international caps and representatives from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Fiji.
Cheika’s team contains exciting wing Nehe Milner-Skudder, the All Blacks’ opening try scorer in the 34-17 win against the Wallabies and the Breakthrough Player-of-the-Year, as the famous invitation club meet Gloucester at
He will also have formidable firepower at his disposal with the likes of Fiji’s World Cup star Nemani Nadolo lining up next to Australia’s Joe Tomane.
Venter and New Zealand flanker Ardie Savea were included as two uncapped players in the squad.
“After the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup it will be an honour to coach the Barbarians in their 125th year against two illustrious opponents,” said Cheika.
“Bringing great players from different nations together to play an exciting brand of rugby is what the Barbarians is all about and that was evident when the Wallabies played them last year.”
The respective matches will take place on November 17 and November 21.
Barbarians squad:
Backs:
Ryan Crotty (Crusaders & New Zealand), Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Chiefs & New Zealand), Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies & Australia), Pat Lambie (Sharks & South Africa), Nehe Milner Skudder (Hurricanes & New Zealand), Nemani Nadolo (Crusaders & Fiji), Waisake Naholo (Highlanders & New Zealand), Cobus Reinach (Sharks & South Africa), Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders & New Zealand), Joe Tomane (Brumbies & Australia), Francois Venter (Cheetahs)
Forwards:
Bakkies Botha (South Africa), Scott Fardy (Brumbies & Australia), Charlie Faumuina (Blues & New Zealand), James Hanson (Reds & Australia), Stephen Hoiles (Waratahs & Australia), Lood de Jager (Cheetahs & South Africa), Jamie Mackintosh (Chiefs & New Zealand), Victor Matfield (Northampton Saints & South Africa), Stephen Moore (Brumbies & Australia), Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks & South Africa), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Toby Smith (Melbourne Rebels & Australia), Warren Whiteley (Lions & South Africa) .
ANA