Chris Jack latest big inclusion for Barbarians Test with Wallabies

May 07, 2009 .

Veteran All Blacks second-rower Chris Jack is among the latest high-profile international players confirmed for an historic showdown between the Barbarians and the Wallabies in Sydney next month.

For their first ever visit to Australia, the Barbarians are assembling a world-class combination, with Test stars from around the globe accepting invitations to wear the hooped black and white jersey for the Wallabies' opening international of the year at SFS on 6 June.

Jack was among four more players confirmed as starters on Thursday, with Irish fullback Geordan Murphy, South African prop BJ Botha and English utility back Iain Balshaw the others.

Between them, they boast 187 Test caps, adding to the well of experience already provided by the likes of former All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall, ex-England captain and back-rower Martin Corry and Wallabies flanker Rocky Elsom, who will play for the Barbarians against his native country.

Jack, the lineout ace with 67 Tests to his credit, is returning to New Zealand this year to resume his All Blacks career after a stint with English club Saracens.

Considered to be one of the finest fullbacks in Irish history, Murphy has represented his country on 63 occasions and was part of the national squad that won this year's Six Nations Championship and Grand Slam.

Botha was a key contributor to South Africa's World Cup success in France in 2007, with his four appearances at the tournament including the final against England.

Another World Cup winner, Balshaw played in England's victory over Australia in the 2003 decider at in Sydney.

The Barbarians squad will be finalised next week.

AAP

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...016959,00.html

---------- Post added at 10:51 ---------- Previous post was at 10:50 ----------

The Squad so far:

Backs: Sonny Bill Williams (Nzl), Justin Marshall (Nzl), Geordan Murphy (Ire), Luke McAlister (Nzl) , Seilala Mapusua (Samoa), Doug Howlett (Nzl), Josh Lewsey (Eng), Iain Balshaw (Eng).

Forwards: Rocky Elsom (Aus), Jerry Collins (Nzl), Martin Corry (Eng), Chris Jack (Nzl), BJ Botha (Rsa), Serge Betsen (Fra), Justin Harrison (Aus), Sebastien Bruno (Fra).