Andy Ellis to lead Barbarians against South Africa
Andy Ellis has been handed the New Zealand captaincy
©PA
Former All Blacks scrum-half Andy Ellis will captain a New Zealand-dominated Barbarians side in the Killik Cup match against Springboks at Wembley on Saturday.
Coach Robbie Deans who picked the starting 15 men comprised of 10 Kiwis which include Ellis' 2011 World Cup winner compatriots Seta Tamanivalu and Luke Whitelock.
The 32-year-old fondly remembers the memories when he featured for the Barbarians in 2010 where they triumphed the Springboks by 26-20 at the Twickenham Stadium on 4th December.
Ellis has expressed his satisfaction for the way the team has come together and has motivated themselves ahead of the their match on Saturday.
"It was a pretty special moment beating South Africa last time.
"It's a beautiful thing. You make friendships. I'm still in touch with the guys I played with in 2010.
"This new team has come together, we're getting on well and we're having fun and now it's just about fronting up and making sure we perform at the weekend.
"The guys want to play for themselves, for the club, for their families - all sorts of different motivations but we're in a pretty good place.
"Boks taking on the Boks helps. They'll certainly want to prove themselves."
Barbarians team to face South Africa:
Melani Nanai (Blues), Matt Faddes (Highlanders), Seta Tamanivalu (Crusaders & New Zealand), Richard Buckman (Highlanders & Panasonic), Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs, Panasonic & Australia), Robert du Preez (Stormers), Andy Ellis (Crusaders, Kobelco Steelers & New Zealand), Reggie Goodes (Hurricanes), Akker van der Merwe (Lions), Paddy Ryan (Waratahs & Australia), Martin Muller (Lions), Michael Fatialofa (Hurricanes), Brad Shields (Hurricanes), Jordan Taufua (Crusaders), Luke Whitelock (Highlanders & New Zealand).
Replacements:
Andrew Ready (Reds), Schalk van der Merwe (Montpellier), Toby Smith (Rebels & Australia), Sam Carter (Brumbies & Australia), Ruan Ackermann (Lions), Nic Stirzaker (Rebels), Richard Mo'unga (Crusaders), Luke Morahan (Force & Australia).
