The Grand Slam winning former Wallabies coach has named a group of 24 players making up his squad for the Barbarians tour of New South Wales with matches against the Classic Wallabies in Lismore (October 24) before facing the national side at Allianz Stadium in Sydney (October 28)
There are 11 internationals named in group and seven Wallabies in Quade Cooper, Sam Carter, Pekahou Cowan, Luke Jones, Matt Hodgson, Eto Nabuli and Naiyaravoro.
Waratahs wing Naiyaravoro wrote himself into Barbarians history with his man of the match performance against South Africa in the 31-31 draw at Wembley last year. He smashed his way over for a first half try, then set up a classic Barbarians score for Luke Morahan.
Taqele Naiyaravoro blasts through South Africa’s defence
Chiefs full back Nanai-Williams was the one to watch at Twickenham when the Barbarians and Australia produced another thriller in 2014. Michael Cheika’s first game in charge of Australia ended in a 40-36 victory with 11 tries shared in one of the games of the season at Twickenham.
Jones has also drafted in a former Waratahs favourite in South African back row Jacques Potgieter and 21 year-old Reds prop Taniela Tupou is a giant prospect who will qualify for the Wallabies later this year.
Quade Cooper in action against the Barbarians in 2014
There is one place on the roster secured by a fans’ vote with the Barbarians welcoming Sam Ward into their squad.
The No.8 lifted the 2017 Shute Shield with Warringah at the end of an emotional season in which his brother Lachlan died playing for the Rats’ fifth grade side.
Tickets to the Barbarians v Australia are available from www.ticketek.com.au
