Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Andy Howell

Warren Gatland's Barbarians side to face Wales as Ireland legend Rory Best captains team

Rory Best will lead Warren Gatland's Barbarians into battle against Wayne Pivac's Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

The former Ireland captain is at hooker in a Barbarians side shorn of big names with former France midfield juggernaut Mathieu Bastareaud their only other household star.

Former Ospreys forward Tyler Ardron is at lock with ex-Scotland back-rower Josh Strauss in the back-row.

Ex-Cardiff Blues prop Campese Ma'afu is at loose-head while the invitation club's half-backs are Bryn Hall and little-known South African Curwin Bosch.

It will be 124 times capped Best's and substitute hooker Schalk Brits' final international match.

The uncapped fixture will give Gatland a chance to say his farewell to Welsh supporters but his team seemingly has its work cut out against the squad available to his Wales coaching successor Pivac.

Gatland said: "I don’t think I can lose, really, either way. We’re here to play some rugby and give a good performance.

"I think when those competitive juices start to flow, it’s about going out and delivering a performance and hopefully the Barbarians winning.

Follow our live blog of the Wales team announcement here.

"I’ve really been getting to know players I wouldn’t have worked with before.

"It’s been pleasing to see the guys bonding and having a little bit of fun and then getting serious as well.

"It’s been a great experience. I’ve enjoyed the week and am just looking forward to Saturday.

"It’s a great opportunity for me to say thank you to the fans and the Welsh public for 12 brilliant years."

Barbarians: S Stevenson; D Leyds, M Bastareaud, A Esterhuizen, C Hendricks; C Bosch, B Hall; C Ma'afu, R Best (capt), W Herbst, L Jones, T Ardron, P Samu, M van Staden, J Strauss.

Subs: S Brits, C Miller, H van Wyk, G Biagi, A Cottrell, J Vermaak, B Meakes, M Duffie.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.