Baa-Baas bank on Saffa for Bok clash

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The Barbarians have been bolstered by several world-class players, including a South African, for their match against the Springboks in Gqeberha on 20 June.

Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe, former All Blacks scrumhalf TJ Perenara, Wallabies wing Andrew Kellaway and England prop Kyle Sinckler have all been added to the invitational squad, which will be coached by Scott Robertson and Felipe Contepomi.

Van der Merwe has scored 35 tries in 53 Tests for his adopted nation, but has fallen out of favour with Scotland coach Gregor Townsend and made just one appearance in this year’s Six Nations.

The 31-year-old will wear the famous black-and-white jersey for the first time at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. He will be joined by fellow Scotland squad players D’Arcy Rae and Liam McConnell.

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“I can’t wait to join up with the Barbarians,” said Van der Merwe. “It is a massive honour and opportunity to represent them, it’s something I’ve always wanted to be part of so to get this opportunity is massive.

“To play for them against the world champions will be a massive challenge and one I’m really looking forward to.”

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Perenara, a former All Blacks vice-captain, will bring 89 Tests worth of experience, flair and attacking instincts to the Barbarians squad.

Wallabies speedster Kellaway, who has 49 Test caps, will be joined in the backline by Argentina flyhalf Tomás Albornoz and Uruguay scrumhalf Santiago Arata.

Prop Sinckler has earned 79 Test caps for England and seven for the British & Irish Lions.

Further squad announcements will be made in due course.

Photo: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

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