Preview: Barbarians v Samoa
South African World Cup winner Bakkies Botha captains the Barbarians against Samoa.
Their match will not only serve as an important World Cup warm-up for Stephen Betham's side, but it will also be vital to preparations for the Olympic Stadium ahead of the tournament.
Former All Blacks Jamie Joseph and Carlos Spencer are coaching the Barbarians and they have assembled one of the strongest Barbarian sides in years'.
The nomadic side features players with a total of 455 international caps among them, including former Wallaby Luke Burgess, along with Stade Francais and Samoa full back Paul Williams.
Before the squad was finalised on Monday the BaaBaas had already confirmed that four World Cup winners will feature in the game, All Blacks Ali Williams and Adam Thomson, 2011 winners with New Zealand, as well as Springboks Bakkies Botha and Wynand Olivier, who won the World Cup with South Africa in 2007.
Ali Williams and Carl Hayman are extending their careers for this match, after hanging up their boots following their European Champions Cup win with Toulon last season.
Samoa look to have a settled unit with Chiefs pivot Tim Nanai-Williams at fullback and the electric Northampton winger Ken Pisi.
They will be looking to settle as a team and get a confidence building win against the Barbarians.
Players to watch:
For Barbarians: The Barbarians will look to Christian Lealiifano to keep their pack on the front foot. In Pierre spies they have a robust flanker who will provide the physicality, along with lock Bakkies Botha. Taqele Naiyaravoro will add some attacking spark in the backline.
For Samoa: Samoa will be looking to finalise the World Cup starting line-up. Tim Nanai-Williams is undoubtably the biggest threat in to the barbarians. The Chiefs fullback will be a big threat on attack and his ability to offload will bring his fellow backs into the game. Ken Pisi, the Northampton wing, has the speed and ability to burst clear of defenders.
Head to head: This is the first time the Barbarians will face Samoa.
Prediction: This match should be a very close encounter, especially in the first half. Samoa should take the edge in the second half with a World Cup-ready team. The Barbarians will have many players on the wrong side of 30 and they may find it difficult to maintain the intensity.
Teams:
Barbarians: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Taqele Naiyaraovoro, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Dwayne Sweeney, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Luke Jones, 4 Bakkies Botha (captain), 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Josh Hohneck, 18 Maks van Dyk, 19 Ali Williams, 20 Jacques Potgieter, 21 Nic Groom, 22 Mike Harris, 23 Tom English.
Samoa: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Faatoina Autagavaia, 13 Paul Perez, 12 Rey Lee-Lo, 11 Ken Pisi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Ofisa Treviranus, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Maurie Faasavalu, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Filo Paulo, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Ole Avei, 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements: 16 Manu Leiataua, 17 Viliamu Afatia, 18 Jake Grey, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 Vavae Tuilagi, 21 Vavao Afemai, 22 Patrick Faapale, 23 Johnny Leota.
Date: Saturday, August 29
Venue: Olympic Stadium, London
Kick-off: 15.00 (14.00 GMT)
Referee: Johnny Lacey (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Gregory Garner (England), Paul Dix (England)
TMO: Sean Davey (England)
