Rugby: Irish players included in NZ Barbarians

Former All Black prop John Afoa has been named at hooker for the NZ Barbarians. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Two members of the touring Irish rugby team will be added to the New Zealand Barbarians squad to play the New Zealand Maori team.

The 22-man squad includes the likes of transformed hooker John Afoa, Colin Slade and Rene Ranger. Also in the squad are former All Blacks Scott Waldrom, Alby Mathewson, Jamie Mackintosh, Ben Smith and Kevin O'Neill.

Coach Bryce Woodward said Afoa has taken a lot of advice about the move from prop to hooker. He said while Afoa might not be as good a scrummaging prop compared to the All Black selections he should be able to make it as a scrummaging hooker.

Woodward said they will also have two as yet unnamed Irish players join them in Whangarei next Thursday.

Otago flanker Alando Soakai will captain the Baabaas.


NZ Barbarians
1. Jamie Mackintosh
2. John Afoa
3. Charlie Faumuina
4. Josh Bekhuis
5. Kevin O'Neill
6. Scott Waldrom
7. Alando Soakai (c)
8. Peter Saili
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Colin Slade
11. Fetu Vainikolo
12. Ben Smith
13. Rene Ranger
14. Bryce Heem
15. Jared Payne

Reserves
16. Andrew Van der Heijden Auckland

17. Dean Budd Northland
18. Rhyan Caine Northland
19. Lachie Munro Northland
20. Irish Player -TBC
21. Irish Player -TBC
22. TBC

- NEWSTALK ZB