RugbyU: Springboks Set To Face Familiar Faces In Barbarians Clash

LONDON, Nov 2, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 02nd Nov, 2016 ) - Two-time world champions South Africa will face four of their compatriots in the Barbarians starting line-up in Saturday's game at Wembley after the team was announced Wednesday.

Stormers fly half Robert du Preez, Lions hooker Akker van der Merwe, Hurricanes prop Reggie Goodes and Lions lock Martin Muller all start against their fellow countrymen with young Lions flanker Ruan Ackermann on the bench.

There are seven internationals in the squad with New Zealand's 2011 World Cup winner Andy Ellis captaining the side. Ellis was a member of the Barbarians side that beat South Africa in 2010 to take a 4-3 lead in their head to head matches.

"It was a pretty special moment beating South Africa last time," said Ellis. "It's a beautiful thing. You make friendships. I'm still in touch with the guys I played with in 2010.

"This new team has come together, we're getting on well and we're having fun and now it's just about fronting up and making sure we perform at the weekend.

"We understand how proud the Barbarians are and we've got a real job to do here. "The guys want to play for themselves, for the club, for their families -- all sorts of different motivations but we're in a pretty good place.

Boks taking on the Boks helps. They'll certainly want to prove themselves," added the 32-year-old scrum-half. Team (15-1): Melani Nanai; Matt Faddes, Seta Tamanivalu, Richard Buckman, Taqele Naiyaravoro; Robert du Preez, Andy Ellis (capt); Luke Whitelock, Jordan Taufua, Brad Shields; Michael Fatialofa, Martin Muller; Paddy Ryan, Akker van der Merwe, Reggie Goodes Replacements (16-23): Andrew Ready, Schalk van der Merwe, Toby Smith, Sam Carter, Ruan Ackermann, Nic Stirzaker, Richard Mo'unga, Luke Morahan