Barbarians starting line-up announced to play England

The Barbarians Vs England is always an exciting affair, with the past 2 tests delivering a combined total of 200 points.

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This particular match has however been a long time coming, with their last battle being called off last minute due to a Covid-19 breach in the Barbarian’s camp.

Chris Robshaw, Richard Wigglesworth, and Sean Maitland were 3 of the 12 players who left the team hotel in central London to have dinner. This breached the Covid rules at the time and as a result, the entire match had to be called off.

No such rules have been put into place almost 2 years later, with fans and players alike having the freedom to pack into busy bars, restaurants, and stadiums as they see fit.

As far as the match-up between the English and the Barbarians go, they have played 18 matches against each other since 1990, with England currently 10-8 ahead.

The English side sees an exciting mix of talents, from the recently re-called old head of Danny Care, through to exciting youngster Harry Arundell and superstar fly-half Marcus Smith.

 

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The Barbarians side has a heavy-set French contingent this year, with 10 of the starting 15 having donned the blue of France in the past.

The familiar sight of George Kruis returns from Japan to face down the national side he’s turned out for 45 times.

Barbarians: 15 Max Spring (France, Racing 92), 14 Damien Penaud (France, Clermont), 13 Virimi Vakatawa (France, Racing 92), 12 Tani Vili (France, Clermont), 11 Davit Niniashvili (Georgia, Lyon), 10 Antoine Hastoy (France, Pau), 9 Batiste Couilloud (France, Lyon), 8 Charles Ollivon (France, Toulon, c), 7 Levani Botia (Fiji, La Rochelle), 6 Dylan Cretin (France, Lyon), 5 Will Skelton (Australia, La Rochelle), 4 George Kruis (England, Saitama Wild Knights), 3 Trevor Nyakane (South Africa, Racing 92), 2 Pierre Bourgarit (France, La Rochelle), 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros (France, Toulon)

Replacements: 16 Danny Priso (France, La Rochelle), 17 Christopher Tolofua (France, Toulon), 18 Sipili Falatea (France, Clermont), 19 Thomas Lavault (La Rochelle), 20 Yoan Tanga (France, Racing 92), 21 Nolann Le Garrec (Racing 92), 22 Louis Carbonel (France, Toulon), 23 Sekou Macalou (France, Stade Français), 24 Thomas Laclayat (Oyonnax)