REPRESENTATIVE MATCH:JAMIE ROBERTS admits it will be a "surreal" experience playing alongside some of South Africa's biggest names just five months after terrorising them for the Lions. The Barbarians have selected Wales' powerful centre for today's showdown with New Zealand at Twickenham (2.30 Setanta Sports) in a team containing six Springboks.
Roberts emerged as the Lions’ player of the series this summer after his bulldozing runs in the first two Tests consistently left a trail of green shirts in his wake. But having traumatised Bryan Habana, Schalk Burger and Victor Matfield as an opponent, Roberts now finds himself fighting for the same cause. “There has been a bit of banter flying around with the South African lads,” he said.
Few expected the 23-year-old to make such a huge impact in South Africa but, putting his 6ft 4in, 16st frame to destructive use, he proved a revelation.
His form has suffered amid a poor autumn for Wales and while Roberts is delighted to finish a stellar year with selection for the Barbarians, he laments the way last month unfolded.
Matfield will captain a side containing 925 caps, including All Black Joe Rokocoko on the right wing against his national team-mates. Australia supply four players to the starting line-up, among them skipper Rocky Elsom and outhalf Matt Giteau.
Leinster explored the possibility of signing Giteau on a short-term basis but the IRFU’s Players’ Advisory group stipulated the deal could only last until December 25th. As a result the province and the Australian Rugby Union cooled on the idea.
Richie McCaw, who played for the Barbarians last year, leads a weakened team in the final fixture of the All Blacks’ autumn tour.
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