The coach might be high profile, but the side Nick Mallett will coach against John Smit’s Saracens in the former Bok skipper’s final game, is anything but …
The South African Barbarians squad, to play Saracens at the Honourable Artillery Company, in London on Thursday, May 16, is made up mostly of emerging South African talent currently playing in Europe and South Africa.
The only two names of interest are Bees Roux and Matt Turner, which is a pity as the game is also a fund raiser for the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players Fund.
Smit, set to return to South Africa to take up a role as the new CEO of the Sharks, said he was looking forward to coming home to Durban.
“It’s quite emotional to consider that something that has been at the very centre of my life for so long is suddenly about to end, but my family and I are looking forward to going back to Durban and the new challenge that is waiting for me at the Sharks.”
South African Barbarians squad:
Lukhanyo Am (Eastern Province), Rob Andrew (Leicester Tigers), Max Ashcroft (Bath), Don Barrell (Bedford Blues), Stephan Kekana (Eastern Province), Simon Kerrod (Sharks), Doppies La Grange (Benetton Treviso), Stefan Liebenberg (Old Albanians), Shaun Malton (Nottingham), Ben Pienaar (Moseley), Jacques-Louis Potgieter (Bayonne), Ethienne Reynecke (Connacht), Bees Roux (Benetton Treviso), Nick Schonert (Griquas), Dewald Senekal (Biarritz), Matt Turner (England 7s), GJ van Velze (Northampton Saints), Darryl Veenendaal (Bedford Blues), Brandon Walker (Gloucester), Jeff Williams (England 7s), Matt Williams (Northampton Saints), Vainon Willis (Blue Bulls)
Pity you see these players as non-events. Some have achieved a lot more than you did, yet I don’t see yourself saying no to being described an ex-WP player….