The weekend of ostensibly meaningless international fixtures comes to a close as England host the Barbarians for their annual fixture at Twickenham. Of course this isn’t anywhere near a full English side, nor would it qualify as second string side. In fact only three players have won any caps at all, combining for a grand total of 11 between them. The Barbarians have shown no mercy, fielding a massively experienced side including Donncha O’Callaghan, only two caps short of a century.
Ever-present Argentine back rower Juan Manuel Leguizamón captains the famous invitational side beside the bruising Mamuka Gorgodze, while five All Blacks adorn the backline, including the entire three quarters. Behind them lurks the aging but still classy Juan Martín Hernández, and Clermont maestro Brock James directs from the flyhalf jersey. A surprise among the reserves is found in the form of Andrew Hore, the World Cup winning hooker who will also run out with the World XV in a week’s time.
With virtually all of England’s top players either injured or headed to New Zealand, Steve Lancaster fields a very young side, though not without potential. Tighthead Kyle Sinckler has impressed with Harlequins in recent weeks, and both Jamie Gibson and Luke Wallace have enjoyed fine seasons for their clubs. The Exeter trio of Dave Ewers, Sam Hill, and particularly Henry Slade look certain to contend for England honours sooner than later.
Leicester’s Graham Kitchener captains from the second row, where he joined by Sale’s lineout virtuoso Michael Paterson. The New Zealander qualifies for England through heritage and Wales might now be wishing they’d had a look at him while he was still in Cardiff. Out wide is found another Southern import, Fijian dynamo Semesa Rokoduguni, a real handful whenever he touches the ball, even moreso now that he’s added a stone of muscle to his already powerful frame. With England’s wing positions still very much up for grabs, he will be one to watch next season now that he has qualified for his adopted country.
Given that these are both scratch sides who will have had only a couple training sessions together, the game will be loose and hopefully quite fast. Expect tackling to be selective and sometimes casual, which should lead to more than a few scores. The Barbarians ultimately have too much class and experience for this young English contingent. Take the visitors to romp to a 15 point victory in a high scoring affair.
ENGLAND vs BARBARIANS
Sunday, June 1, 15:00 GMT, London
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (FFR)
Assistants: TBA (WRU) & TBA (WRU)
TMO: Gareth Simmonds (WRU)
