The Barbarians have reportedly brought in two prime All Blacks stars for Saturday’s Qatar Cup clash against the Springboks in Cape Town.
BARBARIANS SCOOP UP UNWANTED ALL BLACKS
Mark Telea and Hoskins Sotutu arrived with the Barbarians in Cape Town ahead of their historic clash with the Springboks at Cape Town Stadium. This after the duo failed to make the All Blacks squad for the mid-year Test series against France.
Telea and Sotutu, fresh off a dominant Super Rugby campaign with the Blues — where they combined for 21 tries – touched down in the Mother City alongside several international standouts. A social media post showed them arriving with fellow New Zealanders Tawera Kerr-Barlow and veteran lock Sam Whitelock, as well as Uruguayan scrumhalf Santiago Arata and France hooker Camille Chat.
Whitelock, 36, joins the Barbarians as an assistant coach. He holds the record for the most Rugby World Cup appearances (26) and played in three finals during a decorated 153-Test career. His last appearance for the Barbarians came in their 45-32 win over Fiji in 2023.
Telea, known for his elusive running and finishing ability, has scored 13 tries in 19 Tests for the All Blacks and will be a key attacking threat. Sotutu, meanwhile, continues to build a reputation as one of the most powerful back-rowers in the game.
ROBBIE DEANS’ OTHER INTERNATIONAL HEADLINERS
Barbarians coach Robbie Deans has already assembled a strong squad featuring Irish greats Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy, and Conor Murray, along with All Blacks loose forwards Sam Cane and Shannon Frizell.
The Springboks will host the Barbarians on South African soil for the first time, with the Cape Town clash marking the ninth meeting between the two sides. Their last encounter ended in a thrilling 31-31 draw at Wembley Stadium in 2016.
The match promises to be a showcase of international talent and flair, with the Barbarians bringing their trademark attacking style to face Rassie Erasmus’ disciplined and physical Springbok side.
WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN THE MATCH BETWEEN THE BARBARIANS AND SPRINGBOKS?
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