Lachlan Boshier is relishing the challenge of facing Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday.
The Kiwi openside is one of nine Barbarians, who went toe-to-toe with world champions South Africa in Port Elizabeth and pull on the famous black and white again this weekend.
It has been the fulfilment of a life-long dream to represent the famous invitational club and Boshier is making the most of every minute on and off the pitch.
“There’s only about 10 of us that have done both weeks so it’s good to have some new guys and some new energy this week.
“You’ve got guys from all over the world who have different rugby brains and it’s about how can we put them all together and make a performance that the Barbarians can be proud of?
“I play in Japan and we obviously play a lot different to the boys up here in the Northern Hemisphere, so it’s cool to see how they want to do it, and if we can put a little bit of a southern hemisphere touch on it.
“The Springboks was a massive challenge, they are the best side in the world, they bring a lot of threats and a lot of big, big boys. As Baa-Baas we sort of just want to throw it around and try and run them around, and I thought we did that for a bit.
“It was just a good challenge and this week playing Wales is another different challenge. It’s cool to experience both teams.”
Boshier, who moved to Panasonic Wild Knights from the Chiefs in 2022 did not know many of his new teammates before linking up with the Barbarians but from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and now Kensington, there have been plenty of opportunities to build bonds.
He continued: “The beauty of the Baa-Baas as we go out and have a few beers together and get to know each other. We probably get to know each other the fastest when we’re out here on the field and we put it together but we also enjoy ourselves off the field.
“I didn’t know too many boys before I came in here, so it’s cool to rub shoulders with lads from all over the world and a great opportunity to make friends for life.
“The world of rugby’s quite professional and serious now, isn’t it? So, being able to keep the Baa-Baas and that old school sort of mentality is crucial.
“You’ve got guys that have started their careers and guys that are finishing and been able to play in the Baa-Baas for one week of your career, it sort of takes you back to what rugby’s all about, and it’s an awesome experience.
“It’s been a good couple of weeks and I’m looking forward to getting to the game.”
Barbarian F.C. Men versus Wales kicks off an historic double-header at Twickenham, and Boshier is anticipating a fast and furious encounter.
While the bruising Springboks relied upon sheer size and physicality to dominate the second-half in Port Elizabeth, he expects Wales to move the ball and test the Barbarians in different way.
He added: “We did a preview on them this morning and, yeah, we were expecting a good side, who going to play fast and come through us and then after that, probably try and spread it wide.
“We’re looking at threats all over the park and maybe a different style to South Africa, but, looking forward to the challenge.”
Tickets for Barbarians v Wales Double Header – Allianz Stadium – Twickenham 27 June are available via Ticketmaster.co.uk and England Rugby, starting from just £20* for adults and £10* for under-16s. Hospitality packages are also available from £179+VAT PP, visit www.allianzstadiumtwickenham.com *Booking fees apply.
