While this weekend’s game may not carry Test match status, it will be treated as such by players from both sides. With international places at stake, there are plenty of incentives.
At first glance, one could be mistaken for thinking this is a mere warm-up for the Wallabies. However, players from both the Barbarians and the Wallabies have their Test careers on the line.
A common portrayal of the Barbarians is that they are a team of has-been internationals looking for some easy money. In this instance, the players have far more on the line.
Take Phil Waugh and Rocky Elsom, for example. These two have been given the opportunity to go head to head with players vying for their Test positions.
What better way to prove a point to Wallaby selectors than destroying the incumbents at the breakdown?
Much has been made of Elsom’s performances in the recently concluded Heineken Cup and consequently the Australian public are expecting big things from the newly signed Brumby.
It is almost inevitable that Elsom will be added to the Wallaby squad, but he will still be looking to produce a powerful performance against his compatriots.
Phil Waugh’s situation is slightly more intriguing.
Speculation has been rife that Waugh is on the outer in terms of international honours. The fact that he is playing for the Barbarians could be seen as evidence of his fall from favour.
Waugh will have to produce a huge performance to try and force his way back into contention.
His best chance may come this weekend as he comes up against debutant Matt Hodgson. Disrupting Hodgson may be Waugh’s ticket to the Tri Nations, as it appears David Pocock has leap-frogged Waugh into the back up role for George Smith.
The match clearly provides Waugh with the opportunity to pit himself against his Wallaby competitors, and for his sake; he had better hope he catches the eye of Wallaby selectors.
The Wallaby selectors won’t be the only ones paying close attention to the performance of Barbarians players: Graham Henry also has vested interests in the match.
Luke McAlister is playing his first game of rugby for nearly four months and his form will be of great interest to the All Blacks’ selectors.
McAlister has the potential to be Henry’s trump card in the absence of Dan Carter during the Tri Nations.
In addition to McAlister, there is another potential All Black on show for the Barbarians. Sonny Bill Williams is making his much-anticipated homecoming, and this too will be of interest to the All Blacks.
The fact that All Blacks assistant, Wayne Smith, has met with Williams clearly shows he is on their radar for the 2011 World Cup. And he has been given a great chance to showcase his wide array of skills.
The experienced and accomplished players surrounding Williams in the Barbarians should mean he is given every opportunity to succeed.
Whatever way you look at it, the first international of the season is far more than just a warm-up. Although it has been given the name ‘friendly’, I suggest the nature of the game will be far from it.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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