Australia stars Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi have been selected by Eddie Jones to play for the Barbarians against a World XV at Twickenham next week.
The experienced duo, who have both recovered from long-term injuries, will be aiming to secure their spots in the Wallabies’ 2023 Rugby World Cup squad.
Jones, who was re-appointed as head coach of Australia in January after his departure from England, has assembled a formidable squad for the invitational team that includes the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, Rhys Webb and Taulupe Faletau.
While some England players approached by Jones won’t be available due to their mandatory rest period, Cooper and Kerevi will inject creativity and firepower into the Barbarians lineup.
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Cooper, known for his mercurial style of play, made a comeback to the Wallabies in 2021 after a four-year absence from international rugby. Jones has hinted at his inclusion in Australia’s World Cup plans as one of the three flyhalves.
Kerevi, too, impressed against Jones’ England during the 2022 July series Down Under but suffered a knee injury while playing sevens in August. Both players have only recently returned to competitive action.
The match against the World XV, coached by Steve Hansen, is scheduled for 28 May. It will mark Jones’ return to Twickenham since leaving his role with England.
Hansen is expected to field a powerful World XV team featuring the likes of Charles Piutau, Ngani Laumape, Marika Koroibete, Semi Radradra and Israel Folau.
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