NPR

After the thrills and shenanigans of the last few weeks we only have one match of note this weekend. The venerable and storied Barbarians FC take on Manu Samoa.

On Wikipedia I learned that Barbarians played their first game in 1891 against Devonshire at Exeter. And...

The team was given the motto by Walter Julius Carey, former Bishop of Bloemfontein and a former member of the Barbarians:

Rugby Football is a game for gentlemen in all classes, but for no bad sportsman in any class



Barbarians: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Marcos Moneta, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Ryoto Nakamura, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Nic White, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pete Samu, 6 Ryan Wilson (captain), 5 Naohiro Kotaki, 4 Rob Leota, 3 Shinnosuke Kakinaga, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Kosuke Horikoshi, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Gia Kharaishvili, 19 Rodrigo Fernandez Criado, 20 Olly Robinson, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Izaia Perese, 23 Rob Kearney.

Samoa: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi, 14 Elijah Niko, 13 Opetera Peleseuma, 12 Parataiso Silafai-Leaana, 11 Sinoti Sinoti, 10 AJ Alatimu, 9 Nigel Hunt, 8 Abraham Papalii, 7 Talalelei Gray. 6 Mikaele Tapili, Joe Tekori, 4 ben Nee-Nee, 3 Paul Alo-Emile (captain). 2 John Ulugia, 1 Aki Seiuli.
Replacements: 16 Albert Onele’i, 17 Sakaria Taulafo, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Salo Tutaia, 20 Senio Toleafoa, 21 Reece Anapu, 22 Aviata Silago, 23 Alexander Luatua.

Date: Saturday, November 27
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Kick-off: 14.30 (14.30 GMT; 03.30 WST Sunday, November 28)
Expected weather: There will be light rain and it will be windy with a high of 5°C and a low of 1°C.
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)
Assistant referees: Mathieu Raynal (France), Pierre Brousset (France)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)

Barbarians players always interesting to see.

Usually telling in terms of which players are after NH club contracts, who don’t already have one.

Nic White, James O’Connor, Pete Samu and Steven Kitshoff (SA) being of note.

Also Rob Leota. Len Ikitau.

Certainly plenty of Aus players.

Any NZ’s in that list?

Ymx wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 8:54 am Barbarians players always interesting to see.

Usually telling in terms of which players are after NH club contracts, who don’t already have one.

Nic White, James O’Connor, Pete Samu and Steven Kitshoff (SA) being of note.

Also Rob Leota. Len Ikitau.

Certainly plenty of Aus players.

Any NZ’s in that list?

LOL The majority of the Samoan side are New Zealanders or Australian by birth or residence.

Ymx wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 8:54 am Barbarians players always interesting to see.

Usually telling in terms of which players are after NH club contracts, who don’t already have one.

Nic White, James O’Connor, Pete Samu and Steven Kitshoff (SA) being of note.

Also Rob Leota. Len Ikitau.

Certainly plenty of Aus players.

Any NZ’s in that list?

Kitshoff is a bit like PSDT. He could be a top 10 earner in Europe but doesn't seem to be driven by bucks. Maybe he comes from a wealthy family like PSDT and doesn't need the money.

FalseBayFC wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 9:36 am

Ymx wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 8:54 am Barbarians players always interesting to see.

Usually telling in terms of which players are after NH club contracts, who don’t already have one.

Nic White, James O’Connor, Pete Samu and Steven Kitshoff (SA) being of note.

Also Rob Leota. Len Ikitau.

Certainly plenty of Aus players.

Any NZ’s in that list?

Kitshoff is a bit like PSDT. He could be a top 10 earner in Europe but doesn't seem to be driven by bucks. Maybe he comes from a wealthy family like PSDT and doesn't need the money.

Nah not at all. Strand , primary school Hendrik Louw, PRG.

https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/unit ... t-20211124

Sounds like Ulster bailed due to transfer exit fees.

He played in France before for a couple of years. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s looking around at this part of his career.

Looks like Vermeulen has signed there until 23.

Barbarians matches at the end of the Autumn tours used to be an opportunity for one of the touring teams to play a team made up of players from all the Home Unions, and so there was intense local interest to see how some of your favourite players went in a more liberating environment, and whether a scratch team could take on one of the best international teams.

They are now largely made up of players from the touring teams who are at a loose end before heading home (or as others have said, looking for a new contract), playing another touring team, so the interest is much less.

I hope Samoa are getting some money from this match.

Indeed, it’s purpose is for SH players (looking for contracts) v SH team (needing some gate money)

Yup, I’ve totally lost interest in them I’m afraid: just seems to be tacked onto the end to make some cash

Men’s match has been cancelled because of Covid cases, but the women’s match will go ahead at 2:30.

Lobby wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:24 pm Men’s match has been cancelled because of Covid cases, but the women’s match will go ahead at 2:30.

Talk about last minute notice.

Lobby wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 11:18 am Barbarians matches at the end of the Autumn tours used to be an opportunity for one of the touring teams to play a team made up of players from all the Home Unions, and so there was intense local interest to see how some of your favourite players went in a more liberating environment, and whether a scratch team could take on one of the best international teams.

They are now largely made up of players from the touring teams who are at a loose end before heading home (or as others have said, looking for a new contract), playing another touring team, so the interest is much less.

I hope Samoa are getting some money from this match.

Indeed. I’ll usually watch pretty well any rugby match that I can access but no interest at all in this one.

robmatic wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:30 pm

Lobby wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:24 pm Men’s match has been cancelled because of Covid cases, but the women’s match will go ahead at 2:30.

Talk about last minute notice.

Feel for Batman, would have been a lovely day for him

Slick wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:31 pm

robmatic wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:30 pm

Lobby wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:24 pm Men’s match has been cancelled because of Covid cases, but the women’s match will go ahead at 2:30.

Talk about last minute notice.

Feel for Batman, would have been a lovely day for him

Can't be our fault.

Drama, drama, drama!

Emotional scenes as the Samoan team take to the pitch and sing their anthem, and perform the challenge for the crowd. They’ve been badly let down by the Bar Bars who have failed to protect themselves from Covid.

Lobby wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 2:11 pm Emotional scenes as the Samoan team take to the pitch and sing their anthem, and perform the challenge for the crowd. They’ve been badly let down by the Bar Bars who have failed to protect themselves from Covid.

2nd year in a row. Shameful

OomStruisbaai wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:41 pm

Slick wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:31 pm

robmatic wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:30 pm

Talk about last minute notice.

Feel for Batman, would have been a lovely day for him

Can't be our fault.

Drama, drama, drama!

I’ll take that one on the chin

Slick wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 3:52 pm

OomStruisbaai wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:41 pm

Slick wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:31 pm

Feel for Batman, would have been a lovely day for him

Can't be our fault.

Drama, drama, drama!

I’ll take that one on the chin

Hope Kitshoff come home clean. We need our captain