Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Free State Cheetahs fullback Clayton Blommetjies has been called up by the Barbarians ahead of their clash against the Springboks at London’s Wembley Stadium next Saturday (November 5).
Blommetjies told Netwerk24 he would like to use the opportunity against his countrymen to impress the Springbok selectors.
“Many of my team-mates are there and it would be nice to play against them. Francois Venter played for the Barbarians last year and now finds himself in the Springbok camp. Who knows, maybe I’ll also get a chance in future.”
The Barbarians will also feature several of New Zealand’s most talented up and coming stars for the match against the Boks.
Forwards Brad Shields, Michael Fatialofa and Reggie Goodes helped the Hurricanes end a 20-year wait for the title and will be accompanied by Richard Mo’unga and Jordan Taufua from the Crusaders, and Matt Faddes and Luke Whitelock from the Highlanders.
They join compatriot Andy Ellis, and Australia’s Taqele Naiyaravoro in the squad being put together by coaches Robbie Deans and Will Greenwood as the famous invitation club targets a hat-trick of wins over the side ranked No 4 in the world.
The Barbarians take on South Africa for the eighth time since 1952 and lead the series 4-3 after victories in 2007 and 2010.
The 125-year-old club won 26-20 in 2010 when tries from Australia’s Drew Mitchell (2), James O’Connor and Italy’s Quintin Geldenhuys secured victory.
In 2007 the Barbarians were the first side to beat the newly-crowned world champions with a 22-5 win that saw Australia’s Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom, and Wales’ Martyn Williams touch down.
After taking on South Africa in the Killik Cup match, the Barbarians play the Czech Republic in Prague on November 8 before facing Fiji at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast on November 11.
