Aussie trio picked to start for Eddie Jones' BaaBaas

Wed, Nov 13, 2019, 9:03 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Pete Samu is one of three Aussies starting in the Barbarians side. Photo: Getty Images
Pete Samu is one of three Aussies starting in the Barbarians side. Photo: Getty Images

Eddie Jones has picked five Australians in his matchday 23 as the Barbarians take on Fiji and the England coach wanted all the focus on this weekend's match when quizzed about his future.

Ireland hooker Rory Best will captain the side in his farewell game, with a lineup that includes starters Luke Jones, Pete Samu and Joe Powell while Matt Philip and Angus Cottrell are on the bench.

It will be a significant match for a host of players, including Best and Tendai Mtawarira, for whom the Barbarians tour will be their last representative tours.

Jones was asked at the announcement about his own future in rugby but the England coach said he was firmly focused on the task at hand this week.

Former Wallabies coach Jones' contract with the English Rugby Football Union is only until 2021, but earlier this month RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney admitted it "makes sense" for the 59-year-old to continue until the World Cup 2023 in France.

"The only thing I've been worried about this week is coaching the Barbarians. It's a highly enjoyable experience and it's a great honour," Jones said on Thursday (AEDT).

"There is nothing to think about. It is done and dusted. I can't do anything about what's happened. The only thing I can do is what I do next.

"The next thing I'm going to do is make sure this Barbarians' side play some great rugby, so that's the only thing I'm worried about. All that stuff is for you guys, you love it."

The Barbarians take on Fiji on Saturday November 16 at Twickenham, kicking off at 2pm local, Sunday 1am AEDT.

TEAM

Barbarians to face Fiji

1. Tendai Mtawarira

2. Rory Best

3. Enrique Pieretto

4. Luke Jones

5. Tyler Ardron

6. Pete Samu

7. Marco van Staden

8. Josh Strauss

9. Joe Powell

10. Curwin Bosch

11. Makazole Mapimpi

12. Andre Esterhuizen

13. Mathieu Basatreaud

14. Dillyn Leyds

15. David Havili

Reserves

16. Andrew Makalio

17. Campese Ma'afu

18. Hencus van Wyk

19. Angus Cottrell

20. Matt Philip

21. Jano Vermaak

22. Lukhanyo Am

23. Morne Steyn

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