The Sports Corner

Barbarians to invade Australia

The international invitational side, the Barbarians, will make its way to Australia next year to play the Wallabies on Australian soil for the first time in its 60 year history.

The match will be Australia’s first Test of the season and is scheduled to occur on 6 June, 2009 at the Sydney Football Stadium, which has not held an international Test since 2001 when the Wallabies beat the New Zealand Maori 41-29. The match promises to be entertaining as some of the world’s finest players assemble to take on the cream of Australian rugby.

Rumours already abound that the IRB will approach former Australian based rugby league converts, Mark Gasnier, Sonny Bill Williams and Craig Gower to return to Australia as part of the Barbarians side.

Their availability will depend on whether their French provincial sides qualify for the finals, with Gower and Gasnier’s sides both considered contenders. Other notable names which may receive an invite are retired Wallabies George Gregan, who played for the Barbarians at Wembley, Stephen Larkham, Toutai Kefu and Chris Latham.

With the British and Irish Lions touring South Africa, a number of the four nations best players will be unavailable for selection. However, it is expected that this addition of the Barbarians will be feature numerous South African, New Zealand and Pacific Islanders players, bringing a more Southern Hemisphere feel to a team usually dominated by Europeans.

The return of the three former rugby league players who all played for Sydney based sides will add local interest in the game as the former representatives get to test their mettle against the national team for the first time. Gasnier in particular is thought to be on the Wallabies radar for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand after his French contract expires. Sonny Bill Williams could also be at the World Cup and his decision to play may involve a tug of war between the Wallabies and All Blacks due to his dual eligibility. The presence of former All Black captain Tana Umaga as head coach of Williams’ Toulon side was thought to be a major influence in William’s decision to walk out on the Canterbury Bulldogs and the remainder of his three year contract, and could hint at Williams intention to turn out for his native New Zealand if selected.

The game promises to be a sellout with the Barbarians keen for revenge after their 18-11 defeat in November at Wembley Stadium in what was a torrid physical affair.