TJ Perenara To lead Barbarians against South Africa

TJ Perenara will captain Barbarian F.C. against South Africa in the YesPlay Cup, with a star-studded squad named for Saturday’s clash against the world champions at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

TJ Perenara To Captain Barbarian F.C.

The 89-cap former All Black will lead the invitational side in the 15:00 fixture, marking another appearance in the famous black and white jersey after previously representing Barbarian F.C. against Fiji in 2013.

Perenara will partner Argentina fly-half Tomas Albornoz in the half-backs, giving the Barbarians an experienced and creative pairing against the Springboks. The squad features 19 internationals from 11 nations, underlining the global character of the invitational club.

Barbarian F.C. Backline For Springboks Clash

Munster centre Alex Nankivell will line up alongside France international Virimi Vakatawa in midfield. Scotland and British & Irish Lions wing Duhan van der Merwe is set to reunite with former schoolmate Warrick Gelant in the back three.

Gelant will face his countrymen in South Africa colours, while Wallabies wing Andrew Kellaway completes a dangerous backline for the YesPlay Cup encounter.

YesPlay Cup Squad Packed With Experience

The Barbarians pack includes Argentina prop Mayco Vivas, Wales hooker Elliot Dee and Scotland tight-head D’Arcy Rae in the front row. Franco Molina and Alex Moon form the second-row pairing.

Guido Petti and Lachlan Boshier have been named on the flanks, with Samoa’s Miracle Fai’ilagi selected at number eight. The replacements bench carries a strong South American presence, including Argentina’s Lionel Oviedo and Pedro Delgado, along with Uruguay scrum-half Santiago Arata.

Head coach Scott Robertson said the team had embraced Barbarians tradition during the build-up and wanted to express themselves against the Springboks.

“We are all really excited for Saturday afternoon. To play against the world champions in South Africa is an awesome opportunity.

“We have embraced the Barbarians spirit and tradition this week, coming together as a group and enjoying each other’s company in Cape Town.

“It’s a team packed with talent, guys who have come from all over the world and have a great chance to showcase their ability in Port
Elizabeth.

“We want to express ourselves and do the famous black and white jersey proud.”

Barbarian F.C.

Warrick Gelant; Andrew Kellaway, Virimi Vakatawa, Alex Nankivell, Duhan van der Merwe; Tomás Albornoz, TJ Perenara (capt); Mayko Vivas, Elliot Dee, D’Arcy Rae, Franco Molina, Alex Moon, Lachlan Boshier, Miracle Fai’ilagi.

Replacements: Leonel Oviedo, Oli Kebble, Pedro Delgado, Izack Rodda, Liam McConnell, Santiago Arata, Harry Plummer, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.