O’Connor To Start For Barbarians

Wasps and Ireland flanker Johnny O’Connor will make his first Barbarians start when he lines out for Bob Dwyer’s tourists against England on Saturday.

TIBCO Challenge Match: Saturday, May 28
England v Barbarians, Twickenham (kick-off 3.00pm, live Sky Sports 3)

O’Connor, who links up with Niall O’Donovan’s Ireland squad next week ahead of the two-Test trip to Japan, earned his Baa-Baas’ debut on Tuesday night, coming on as a second half replacement in their disappointing 38-7 loss to Scotland.

The 25-year-old is the only Irishman named in Dwyer’s starting line-up, with the replacements and captain due for confirmation on Thursday.

Munster’s recent recruit from South Africa, Trevor Halstead has been included for the Baa-Baas at inside centre.

Former Australia coach Dwyer said: “Obviously we were very disappointed to lose in Scotland but we have tremendous strength in depth in this squad and we are determined to put the record straight against England.

“We face a tough challenge but these players in the Baa-Baas team are themselves quality individuals.

“Our task is to gel as a team and put on a performance worthy of the great traditions of the Barbarians at Twickenham. We are determined to do so.”

ENGLAND: Tom Voyce (Wasps); Paul Sackey (Wasps), Ayoola Erinle (Wasps), Jamie Noon (Wasps), James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester); Andy Goode (Leicester), Andy Gomarsall (Gloucester); Mike Worsley (Harlequins), George Chuter (Leicester), Micky Ward (Newcastle), Louis Deacon (Leicester), Tom Palmer (Leeds), Chris Jones (Sale), Pat Sanderson (Worcester) (Capt), Hugh Vyvyan (Saracens).

Replacements: Lee Mears (Bath), Robbie Morris (Northampton), Stuart Hooper (Leeds), James Forrester (Gloucester), Peter Richards (Wasps), Sam Vesty (Leicester), Mathew Tait (Newcastle).

BARBARIANS:

(15) Brent Russell (South Africa)
(14) Wendell Sailor (Australia)
(13) Thomas Castaignede (France)
(12) Trevor Halstead (South Africa)
(11) Bruce Reihana (New Zealand)
(10) Carlos Spencer (New Zealand)
(9) Mark Robinson (New Zealand)
(1) Tom Smith (Scotland)
(2) Mark Regan (England)
(3) Cobus Visagie (South Africa)
(4) Simon Shaw (England)
(5) Selborne Boome (South Africa)
(6) Corne Krige (South Africa)
(7) Johnny O’Connor (Wasps/Ireland)
(8) Sebastien Chabal (France)

Replacements: tbc

Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)