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Stacked squads unveiled for showcase match between NZ Barbarians Legends and Pacific Legends
By Tom Vinicombe
It will be a warm-up match like no other on Saturday as a host of former representatives line up to do battle.
As a precursor to the New Zealand v Tonga game in Hamilton, the New Zealand Barbarians Legends and Pacific Legends will face off in a match that is studded with former stars.
The NZ side includes the likes of ex-All Blacks Carlos Spencer, Rico Gear and Corey Flynn, as well as former League internationals Monty Betham and Ruben Wiki.
The Pacific Legends will roll out Sevens stars Tomasi Cama and DJ Forbes, plus former internationals Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, Gavin Williams and Radike Samo.
Whilst most of the players are a few years past their best-before date, there'll be no lack of want or desire from either team.
Tana Umaga will be in charge of the Pacific team and Michael Jones will coach the NZ Barbarians.
The match has been spearheaded by the MaiBody, MaiFuture health project, which was launched by the Pacific Rugby Players (PRP) last year aims to promote fighting obesity and diabetes via high profile rugby players role modelling healthier lifestyles.
“There has been plenty of ruthless banter going around the teams, which has been great fun, but all the boys know that behind the fun is serious messaging, which is we need to reduce diabetes and heart diseas,” said Barbarians captain Carlos Spencer.
The match will kick off at 12:10PM with the game between the All Blacks and Tonga following at 2:35PM.
New Zealand Barbarians Legends Squad:
Mana Ashford, Monty Betham, Jason Chandler, Loki Crichton, Dave Dillon, Rhys Duggan, Ross Filipo, Troy Flavell, Corey Flynn, Rico Gear, Craig Glendinning, Jarod Hoeata, Tony Koonwaiyou, Tone Kopelani, Wairangi Koopu, Johnny Leo'o, Slade McFarlane, Cameron McIntyre, Matt Mustchin, Sonny Parker, Matua Parkinson, Kevin Senio, Chris Smylie, Carlos Spencer, Sherwin Stowers, Rua Tipoki, Ofisa Tonu’u, Tane Tu’ipolotu, Scott Waldrom, Ruben Wiki
Pacific Legends Squad:
Inoke Afeaki, Tomasi Cama, Graham Dewes, DJ Forbes, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, Frank Halai, Jeff Ierome, Roy Kinikinilau, Nili Latu, Filipo Levi, Lua Lokotui, Laisa Maasi, Deacon Manu, Seilala Mapusua, Onehunga Mata’uiau, Luke Mealamu, Mikaele Pesamino, Junior Poluleuigaga, John Senio, Semo Sititi, Hale T Pole, Justin Va’a, To’o Vaega, Samiu Vahafolau, Lesley Vainikolo, Silao Vaisola-Sefo, Tanner Vili, Gavin Williams, Radike Samo
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Latest Comments
500k registered players in SA are scoolgoers and 90% of them don't go on to senior club rugby. SA is fed by having hundreds upon hundreds of schools that play rugby - school rugby is an institution of note in SA - but as I say for the vast majority when they leave school that's it.
Go to commentsDon't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
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