Bok coach teams up with Kiwi captain
Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:14
Signing of the times: All Black captain Richie McCaw
The most unlikely combination - an All Black captain and a Springbok coach - will face Australia in the Olympic Centenary Match at Wembley on December 3.
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has been confirmed as one of the leading international stars for the Barbarians team to face the Wallabies, with the BaaBaas to be coached by World Cup-winning Bok mentor Jake White.
Confirmation of McCaw's participation in the match comes just days after he captained his country to a 28-24 victory over Australia in the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup decider in Brisbane at the weekend.
White, who guided the Boks to World Cup glory last year in France, said Wednesday: "It is a wonderful privilege for me to be invited by the Barbarians and to be involved in this very special match."
Barbarians president Micky Steele-Bodger said: "As well as these top quality players from overseas, we also have an agreement with Premier Rugby in England for the release of several players to represent us in this match.
"We are hopeful that top players from elsewhere in the British Isles will also be involved," he said.
"We will have a truly international side to take on Australia."
Last December the Barbarians beat South Africa 22-5 at Twickenham.
This latest high-profile match for the Barbarians, Rugby Union's most prestigious invitational side, celebrates 100 years since the Olympic Games, which return to England's capital in 2012, were first staged in London.
In 1908, Australia won the gold medal in the Rugby Union competition when they defeated Great Britain 32-3 in the final at White City Stadium.
This fixture will be the first Rugby Union match to be played at the new Wembley, built on the north London site of the old ground.
A parade featuring Great Britain medal winners from last month's Beijing Olympic Games is set to take place at half-time.
Selection for the Barbarians, whose matches do not have Test status, is still widely considered as one of the greatest honours a player can receive outside of appearing for his country.
The Barbarians, who have no ground of their own, are known for their commitment to attacking rugby.
One of their traditions sees all Barbarian players wear their club or international socks as they have none of their own.
They also have a practice of fielding at least one uncapped player.
Back in 1973 a star-studded Barbarian side beat the All Blacks 23-11 in Cardiff, with legendary Wales scrumhalf Gareth Edwards's opening score often described as the greatest try of all-time.
"Their great match against the All Blacks and that try by Gareth Edwards was a true inspiration to us all," said White.
AFP
