LONDON – South African flyhalf Robert du Preez, fresh from Saturday’s Currie Cup victory with Western Province, has been named in the Barbarians squad to face New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday.
The 24-year-old pivot – son of Sharks coach Robert Senior – is joined by compatriot and former Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss, as well as ex-Lions loose forward Ruan Ackermann, current Lions No 8 Kwagga Smith, prop Jacques van Rooyen and centre Harold Vorster, Sharks hooker Akker van der Merwe and Ruan Smith from Toyota Verblitz and Willie Britz of the Sunwolves in Japan.
The squad – which will also face Tonga at Munster’s Thomond Park in Limerick on November 10 – also includes two of the Barbarians side beaten 31-28 by Australia in Sydney last Saturday.
Welcome gents 👋
Pilates starts at 7pm 👀 #rugby #rugbyunited🏉 pic.twitter.com/pWA171qy7C
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) October 30, 2017
Former Wallaby coach Robbie Deans takes charge for the two games and has called up 13 Kiwis, including former All Blacks Ben Franks and Steven Luatua, who are both now based in England.
Other All Blacks of note in New Zealander Deans’ squad are 2015 World Cup-winning wing Julian Savea and scrumhalf Andy Ellis, who was a member of the 2011 World Cup champion side.
Barbarians Squad
Forwards:
Ruan Ackermann (Gloucester), Dominic Bird (Chiefs), Willie Britz (Sunwolves), Sam Carter (Brumbies), Simone Favaro (Fiamme Oro), Ben Franks (London Irish), Dillon Hunt (Highlanders), Steven Luatua (Bristol), Atu Moli (Chiefs), Kwagga Smith (Lions), Ruan Smith (Toyota Verblitz), Adriaan Strauss (Bulls), Akker van der Merwe (Sharks), Jacques van Rooyen (Lions), Luke Whitelock (Highlanders).
Backs:
Vince Aso (Hurricanes), George Bridge (Crusaders), Richard Buckman (Highlanders), Mitchell Drummond (Crusaders), Robert du Preez (Western Province), Andy Ellis (Kobelco Steelers), Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders), Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs), Julian Savea (Hurricanes), Nic Stirzaker (Rebels), Harold Vorster (Lions).