Shane Williams and Bryan Habana could form a dream wing partnership when the Barbarians take on Australia at Wembley in next month’s London Olympic Centenary.
Williams, the bookies’ tip to land the International Rugby Board’s player-of-the-year award in 11 days’ time, and Habana are favourites to be named in the starting XV, but they will face stiff competition from All Blacks Joe Rokocoko and Rico Gear.
All four are among a 22-man group to be coached by 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White.
Williams and France flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc are the Baa-baas’ latest additions for the December 3 fixture.
Baa-baas committee member and former England prop Mike Burton said: ”Assembling such a star-studded squad from several countries would not have been possible without the approval and cooperation of national unions and individual provinces and clubs.
”We are grateful for the support we continue to receive.
”Many people in many different capacities recognise the role of the Barbarians in such high-profile fixtures, and their encouragement is a huge boost to all of us who are involved.
”It promises to be a great occasion in every respect.”
Barbarians squad:
Backs: P Montgomery, B Habana, J Rokocoko, S Williams, R Gear, J de Villiers, O Smith, F Trinh-Duc, G Gregan, F du Preez. Forwards: P Collazo, G Steenkamp, C Hayman, J Smit, M Regan, B Botha, S Borthwick, C Jack, N Koster, S Burger, J Collins, R McCaw. — Sapa