Phil Waugh expects to experience both a bizarre and emotional weekend after leading the Barbarians against Australia on Saturday before linking up with the Wallabies the following day.

Openside flanker Waugh, who has amassed 77 Test caps, will lead a star-studded Barbarian side including two other Australian representatives in fellow backrower Rocky Elsom and halfback Chris Whitaker.

Little more than 12 hours after taking on the Wallabies, Waugh will join them as they prepare to head to Canberra for the first Test against Italy the following Saturday.

“It will be a little bit bizarre, it probably hasn’t hit me yet, until it gets closer to the game,” Waugh said.

A consummate rugby professional, Waugh is focused only on performing well against the Wallabies, though he conceded he would take a slightly different mindset into the Sydney Football Stadium clash.

“It’s going to be a game with a lot of emotion……the history of the game.

“Playing for the Barbarians and against the Wallabies and at the SFS in front of hopefully a full house is such a great occasion to be part of,” added Waugh, who has only occupied the visitors changing room at the SFS once before.”

Waugh admitted there had been a few text messages flying between himself and some of his Wallaby colleagues turned rivals.

He said he had spoken to dropped winger Lote Tuqiri who he revealed was “bitterly disappointed” about his omission.

Waugh was adamant he hadn’t revealed any trade secrets about the Australians to the Barbarians and was concentrating only on their game.

He predicted a fiercely competitive battle at the breakdown on Saturday.

Elsom, New Zealander Jerry Collins and Waugh will clash with the mobile trio of Richard Brown, George Smith and debutant Matt Hodgson, all of whom Waugh pointed out had played at openside flanker.

“Weight-wise, height-wise and size-wise we would have an advantage but it’s going to be a quick game and mobility is important,” Waugh said.

Players from Ireland, England, Samoa, South Africa and France have also been named in the starting side by coach Dai Young.

The bench includes All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall, who won 81 Test caps and former England captain and forward Martin Corry, who will be playing his final game of top flight rugby.

League convert Sonny Bill Williams was chosen as outside centre.

He and fellow New Zealander Paul Tito were the only uncapped players in the run-on side.

Barbarians: Geordan Murphy (Ireland), Iain Balshaw (England), Sonny Bill Williams (NZ uncapped), Seilala Mapusua (Samoa), Josh Lewsey (England), Luke McAlister (NZ), Chris Whitaker (Aust), Rocky Elsom (Aust), Phil Waugh (Aust capt), Jerry Collins (NZ), Paul Tito (NZ uncapped), Chris Jack (NZ), BJ Botha (South Africa), Sebastien Bruno (France), Clarke Dermody (NZ). Reserves: Schalk Brits (South Africa), Greg Somerville (NZ), Martin Corry (England), Serge Betsen (France), Justin Marshall (NZ), Glen Jackson (NZ uncapped), Ben Blair (NZ).

© AAP 2012

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