MICHAEL CHEIKA HAS named an exciting Barbarians team for the invitational side’s clash with Argentina in Twickenham on Saturday (KO 15.05, Sky Sports 2).
The BaaBaas XV features a sensational backline including World Rugby breakthrough player of the year Nehe Milner-Skudder and fellow All Blacks Waisake Naholo, Ryan Crotty, Lima Sopoaga and Tawera Kerr-Barlow.
Completing the backline for the Barbarians in a match that sees them celebrate the 125th anniversary of the club are Fiji powerhouse Nemani Nadolo and Wallabies outside centre Tevita Kuridrani.
A formidable Barbarians pack includes Australian World Cup captain Stephen Moore, who was recently courted by Munster, and his international teammate Scott Fardy. The legendary Victor Matfield partners young Springbok Lood de Jager in the second row, while exciting Kiwi openside Ardie Savea – younger brother of Julian – is in the seven shirt.
Bakkies Botha is set to make his final professional appearance in rugby off the bench.
There are a number of World Cup stars in Argentina’s XV too, with Nico Sánchez, Pablo Matera, Santiago Cordero, Guido Petti, Martín Landajo and Ramiro Herrera all starting.
The Barbarians hammered a weak Gloucester side 62-14 on Tuesday in Kingsholm.
Barbarians:
15. Nehe Milner-Skudder
14. Waisake Naholo
13. Tevita Kuridrani
12. Ryan Crotty
11. Nemani Nadolo
10. Lima Sopoaga
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
1. Thomas du Toit
2. Stephen Moore
3. Charlie Faumuina
4. Lood de Jager
5. Victor Matfield (captain)
6. Scott Fardy
7. Ardie Savea
8. Stephen Hoiles
Replacements from:
James Hanson
Jamie Mackintosh
Toby Smith
Bakkies Botha
Jarrad Butler
Cobus Reinach
Pat Lambie
Francois Venter
Joe Tomane
Argentina:
15. Ramiro Moyano
14. Matías Moroni
13. Jerónimo De la Fuente
12. Santiago González Iglesias
11. Santiago Cordero
10. Nicolás Sánchez
9. Martín Landajo (captain)
1. Lucas Noguera
2. Julián Montoya
3. Ramiro Herrera
4. Guido Petti Pagadizabal
5. Matías Alemanno
6. Pablo Matera
7. Javier Ortega Desio
8. Facundo Isa
Replacements:
16. Santiago Iglesias Valdez
17. Santiago García Botta
18. Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro
19. Tomas Lezana
20. Leonardo Senatore
21. Felipe Ezcurra
22. Gabriel Ascarate
23. Emiliano Boffelli
