Wallabies coach Dave Rennie will take charge of the Barbarians XV featuring Quade Cooper and at least three other Australians after the team’s Spring Tour commitments in November.
The first tranche of players for a game at Twickenham on November 27 was named Tuesday with the Wallabies’ reborn No.10 continuing to prove a favourite of Rennie, who restored him to the team after a long time absence this campaign.
After a mentoring role against New Zealand, Rennie gave Cooper the keys to the Wallabies backline and he has been unbeaten in four starts with wins against South Africa and Argentina.
Len Ikitau, called up by Rennie last year after just one Super Rugby appearance, halfback Nic White and Rennie’s go to loose forward back up Pete Samu are the other Aussies named, with the full selection yet to be completed.
The match was planned to be be against the Samoan Test side however they have pulled out of the game. It’s expected to be a ‘Manu Samoa’ selection in their place.
Argentina’s Pablo Matera, one of the six players who missed the final Rugby Championship Test after leaving camp to go to Byron Bay, was also named on Tuesday.
The invitational side have also confirmed four Springboks: Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx and Duane Vermeulen.
More names are to be added in the coming weeks.
More than 35,000 tickets have been sold for the match but Samoa have announced their withdrawal due to their country’s travel restrictions.
Leroy14
Roar Rookie
Yeah, I think he'd like it out west too. He should be coaching too. After his comments about helping others which came out of his time in club rugby in Qld, it seems natural that he want's to impart his knowledge. He certainly does have a fantastic rugby brain.
Number12
Roar Rookie
Leroy, couldn’t agree more! Twiggy should buy out his Japanese contract & install him as first choice 10 (& mentor) till the legs give away then backs coach long term! His rugby IQ is second to none…
Rhys
Roar Rookie
That's right, especially the crowds too are also a barometer. Townsville, Brisbane and the final round in Gold Coast all saw good attendance. Appetite is their.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Absolutely, and by strengthening the smaller nations he would takeaway some of the power wielded by the 6 nations sides and - beyond that - the European clubs.
Leroy14
Roar Rookie
I think he'd be good at the force.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I would suggest to ask Geoff or Nick etc :thumbup:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I would say for him to come home, as you can see his enjoyment plus him being accepted both fellow players and fans. Dan Carter came back from Japan for the 2015 RWC and won player of the tournament. QC has one more World Cup in him for sure, but do understand your worry WL
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately no mate, I will look daily on Stan if other games are added :thumbup:
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
MK...I hope he stays in Japan...he seems to be enjoying life and it shows in his footy plus in super rugby your chances of injury is much higher...
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
Hi MK..I recall someone posting a "free" link here where to watch all the games...do you perhaps have it.. :stoked:
Leroy14
Roar Rookie
"At no stage have I agreed to play for the @Barbarian_FC in the upcoming game against Samoa. I'm contracted to the Kintetsu Liners," Cooper tweeted on Tuesday. Ok... Something is fishy here I hope everything is ok between Rennie and QC. QC has been a revelation since returning for the last 4 games. He is a key figure in the wallabies.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Kintetsu, are wanting to know how many games QC will play, guess more means higher chance of injury in their eyes play plus the date of return to Japan. Only in my mind but maybe their was an agreement with Cooper and his Japanese team. If he performs for the Wallabies he can return to Australia, but maybe details need to be worked out. It will surprise me if he cuts his contract short, and comes back to OZ. Would he play for Queensland, or maybe the Rebels. I will wait for the reaction.
Brett McKay
Expert
True. And Rennie hasn't actually "named" anyone per se, it's all been the Barbarians themselves making announcements so far, I believe..
Tim J
Roar Rookie
International teams? It only the Samoan International side due to travel restrictions. Who are the other International sides?
Hoy
Roar Guru
I believe he has been cleared by Kintetsu Liners to go on the Northern Tour, so maybe this is an extra to work out...
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Quade saying he hasn't agreed to play.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
That's was what I saw. Actually it doesn't say he isn't playing, it just says he hasn't agreed to play and that he is contracted to his Japanese team. So maybe there are a few things to sort out and smooth out.
KiwiHaydn
Roar Rookie
Straight from the horse’s mouth https://twitter.com/quadecooper/status/1445185494992572420?s=21
Tim J
Roar Rookie
But I do dsat. :silly:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
:thumbup: