The last time these two sides met was back in 2009 when Australia dominated the invitational side by fifty-five points to seven. But as the fixture returns to Twickenham it seems the much anticipated encounter will provide a fantastic display of rugby for the world to see.

After the late call-up of Wigan Warriors star, Sam Tomkins, along with the other world class names such as Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana, the Barbarians will surely be the dominant force. The Wallabies will hope to round off what was a fairly successful year of rugby off the back of a bronze medal in the Rugby World Cup.

Australia have announced a team containing the likes of Will Genia, Adam Ashley-Cooper and James O’Connor. Not forgetting a pack of the worlds finest forwards including David Pocock and IRB try of the year winner, Radike Samo.

Bryan Habana

The Barbarians side includes Sam Tomkins who comes in straight from a Rugby League Four Nations campaign with England. But alongside the rugby league star, rugby world heavyweights such as Bryan Habana, Danny Cipriani and Stirling Mortlock all feature in the backs. As well as Kevin Mealamu, Victor Matfield, Simon Shaw and Salvatore Pereguini all named in the forwards pack.

Ones to watch will be Seru Rabeni and Sam Tomkins for the Barbarians and James O’Connor for the Wallabies. Rabeni is lesser known player in the invitational side but is a Fijian powerhouse and if he is playing to the best of his ability, he will be a star of the game. Sam Tomkins is obviously one to keep an eye on as he plays his first ever professional union game. O’Connor put on a good show for Australia at the World Cup and is a young rising star in the world of rugby.

The game kicks off at 2:30pm on Saturday 26th November. Former All Blacks coach Graham Henry leads the Baa Baas into this much awaited battle so don’t miss a rugby spectacular.

Full teams:
Barbarians: Isaia Toeava (New Zealand); Sam Tomkins (England RL), Robbie Fruean (Crusaders), Stirling Mortlock (Australia), Bryan Habana (South Africa); Danny Cipriani (England), Peter Stringer (Ireland); Eusebio Guinazu (Argentina), Keven Mealamu (New Zealand), Sylvain Marconnet (France), Simon Shaw (England), Victor Matfield (captain, South Africa), Jerome Kaino (New Zealand), Mauro Bergamasco (Italy), Adam Thomson (New Zealand).
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss (South Africa), Salvatore Perugini (Italy), Marco Bortolami (Italy), Jason White (Scotland), Seru Rabeni (Fiji), Richard Kahui (New Zealand), Nemia Kenatale (Fiji).

Australia: Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Pekahou Cowan, Dave Dennis, Anthony Faingaa, Will Genia, Scott Higginbotham, Matt Hodgson, Rob Horne, James Horwill (capt), Digby Ioane, Ben Lucas, Salesi Ma'afu, Ben McCalman, Stephen Moore, James O'Connor, Nick Phipps, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota Nau, Radike Samo, Nathan Sharpe, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Ben Tapuai, Lachie Turner.

Here is Bryan Habana talking in a pre-match press conference during the week:



Credit: Talking Rugby


Russell Hargreaves spoke to David Pocock ahead of the encounter:


Credit: Talking Rugby


Russ also caught up with Australia boss, Robbie Deans


Credit: Talking Rugby