World Cup winning Springboks halfback Faf de Klerk will captain the Barbarians when they take on Wales at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium on Sunday, a week after helping South Africa beat the invitational side in Gqeberha.
He scored off the bench in the Springboks’ 80-31 victory last weekend, but will now lead his former opponents in a side featuring 19 internationals from 11 different nations.
De Klerk is not the only double World Cup-winning Springbok in the starting XV, with veteran tighthead Vincent Koch named in the front-row alongside Georgia’s Giorgi Kharaishvili and Wales hooker Elliot Dee, who will face his fellow countrymen.
Former All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has opted for a physically imposing pack, with Wallabies pair Izack Rodda and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto joined by France lock Romain Taofifénua and ex-England No.8 Nathan Hughes.
In the backs, De Klerk will partner former New Zealand fly-half Harry Plummer, while Swire Shipping Fijian Drua midfielder Virimi Vakatawa moves to the left wing, Andrew Kellaway on the right wing with Tom Spring at fullback.
Wales legend George North, meanwhile, is set for the final appearance of his professional career after being named among the replacements.
Robertson says it is great to have a player of De Klerk’s quality and experience leading the group this week.
He says they have a group packed with talent, who have come together from all over the world.
The Barbarians play Wales at 1am Sunday.
Source: rugbypass.com
