What a wonderful 23 the Barbarians’ management has assembled to face the Springboks a third time.
It is full of stars whom we thought we’d never see in action again. It’s another delight that we are presented with a straightforward 23; this is a single encounter, so no need to offer a squad, then guess who is likely to play.
The two coaches could hardly be starrier: Linda Itunu, a former Black Ferns’ and Baabaas’ captain takes charge, with Patricia Garcia to assist her, a central figure in Spain’s advance over the past two decades.
We are assured that seven of the squad will be making their farewell appearance. They are: Alycia Washington (USA), Cerys Hale (Wales), Claire Molloy (Ireland), Emily Scott (England), Kendra Cocksedge (New Zealand), Lydia Thompson (England) and Rachael Burford (England). Strange how the invitation to pull on the famed black and white hooped jersey reignites people’s wish to play.
It’s a wry fact that Rocky Clark, also in the squad, does not appear in that august list. She must rather enjoy playing!
Kathryn Dane has a back story more contorted than most. She’s just been reinstated in Ireland’s WXV squad after recovering from a serious head injury. It’s good to see her included.
Eight nations are represented, and the Baabaas hold with ancient tradition by including one uncapped player, Abi Meyrick of Wales. She won’t forget the whole experience in a hurry.
If it weren’t for the passing years, you might ask: ‘What sort of team could possibly beat them?’ The answer is a World XV. Let’s ask Fiona Stockley, the stage-manager of the whole business, to assemble such a team.
Next, how can we persuade Lynne Cantwell, South Africa’s Rugby’s High-Performance Manager and Ireland’s most capped player, to perform – on one side or the other?
With another WXV looming the Boks will be intent on putting on a performance to convince the selectors they are all worth a place in their WXV2 squad.
PS
These are the selected players not already mentioned:
Amber Reed (England), Carla Hohepa (NZ), Celia Quansah (England), Charmaine McMenamin (NZ), Cheta Emba (USA), Ciara Cooney (Ireland), Joanna Kitlinski (USA), Kathryn Buggy (Ireland), Laura Keates (England), Rachel Lund (England), Rownita Marston-Mulhearn (England), Sarah Law (Scotland) and Sera Naiqama (Australia) – there’s some serious talent there.
