Baa Baas pick three centurions to battle Boks

Sam Cane is one of three Test centurions named by the Barbarians to face the Springboks at Cape Town Stadium in June.

The All Blacks’ 2023 Rugby World Cup captain, Cane is joined by Ireland’s Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray as the first players confirmed to represent the Baa Baas when the famous invitational team plays in South Africa for the first time. This will also be the first time the three players represent the Barbarians in the famous black and white shirt.

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O’Mahony played the first of his 114 Tests for Ireland in 2012, captained the side from flanker and was a member of their squad in five Six Nations championship victories. He also played one Test for the British & Irish Lions, against New Zealand in 2017.

Murray, like O’Mahony a stalwart of Irish giants Munster, made his Test debut in 2011, played 125 Tests for Ireland and eight for the British & Irish Lions. The experienced scrumhalf featured in all three Tests against the Boks in Cape Town in 2021, and toured Australia (2013) and New Zealand (2017).

Cane, a member of New Zealand’s World Cup-winning squad in 2015, plays with Cheslin Kolbe at Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan. The flanker is a former All Blacks captain who made his Test debut in 2012 and finished his international career with 104 caps.

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“We have no doubt they will name several more top-class players in the coming weeks, so this match will set the tone for us to switch into full-out competitive mode from the outset,” said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.

“I’ve worked with Peter and Conor before, and we know Sam very well – they are quality players with a lot of experience, which will serve as a great test at the start of a big season.”

Robbie Deans, the Barbarians head coach, commented: “We are in the process of finalising a really exciting squad for the match against the Springboks… It will be a blend of high profile global international stars, and other stand out performers from European clubs, Super Rugby and the Japanese league.

“Peter and Conor have been an integral part of the Irish team for nearly 15 years and both have amassed over hundred caps for their country and represented the British & Irish Lions on a number of tours. Sam is also a Test centurion, played in the last three World Cups and captained the All Blacks from 2020-2023.

“All three players experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable during the week both on and off the field and I am delighted they have agreed to play for the Barbarians in this historic game.”

Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images/Getty Images