Barbarians vs Fiji, 11th November

BARBARIANS VS FIJI

Kingspan Stadium, Belfast
Friday 11th November
7.30pm

News;

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/tuisova-named-in-fiji-squad/
http://www.barbarianfc.co.uk/news/barbarians-to-face-fiji-at-kingspan-stadium-in-belfast/
http://www.barbarianfc.co.uk/news/australia-and-new-zealand-stars-join-barbarians-for-autumn-tour/
http://www.barbarianfc.co.uk/news/ulster-s-pienaar-and-tuohy-join-barbarians-for-kingspan-date/
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/15313.php#.V_0bqFJxgqw

Tickets available right here

BARBARIAN SQUAD

Ruan Ackermann (Lions) Flanker, 20, 1.93m, 108kg
Clayton Blommetjies (Cheetahs) Lock, 28, 1.98m, 110kg
Tommy Bowe (Ulster & Ireland) Wing, 32, 1.90m, 100kg
Sam Carter (Brumbies & Australia) Lock, 27, 2.01m, 116kg
Robert du Preez (Stormers) Fly half, 23, 1.92m, 96kg
Andy Ellis (Crusaders/Kobelco & New Zealand), Scrum half, 32, 1.76m, 86kg
Matt Faddes (Highlanders) Centre, 24, 1.85m, 93kg
Michael Fatialofa (Hurricanes) Lock, 24, 1.99m, 106kg
Ben Franks (London Irish & New Zealand) Prop, 32, 1.85m, 130kg
Reggie Goodes (Hurricanes) Prop, 24, 1.84m, 112kg
Richard Mo'unga (Crusaders) Fly half, 22, 1.76m, 83kg
Luke Morahan (Force & Australia) Wing, 27, 1.88m, 95kg
Martin Muller (Lions), Lock, 28, 1.98m, 110kg
Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs/Panasonic & Australia) Wing, 24, 1.94m, 123kg
Melani Nanai (Blues) Wing/full back, 23, 1.94m, 90kg
Ruan Pienaar (Ulster & South Africa) Scrum half, 31, 1.87m, 92kg
Andrew Ready (Reds) Hooker, 23, 1.80m, 107kg
Paddy Ryan (Waratahs & Australia) Prop, 28, 1.89m, 120kg
Brad Shields (Hurricanes) Flanker, 25, 1.93m, 111kg
Toby Smith (Rebels & Australia) Prop, 28, 1.90m, 115kg
Kwagga Smith (Lions) Flanker, 23, 1.80m, 90kg
Nic Stirzaker (Rebels) Scrum half, 25, 1.79m, 83kg
Seta Tamanivalu (Crusaders & New Zealand) Centre, 24, 1.89m, 104kg
Jordan Taufua (Crusaders) Flanker, 24, 1.89m, 108kg
Dan Tuohy (Ulster & Ireland) Lock, 31, 1.96m, 119kg
Akker van der Merwe (Lions) Hooker, 25, 1.78m, 108kg
Schalk van der Merwe (Montpellier) Prop, 25, 1.84m, 105kg
Luke Whitelock (Highlanders & New Zealand) No.8, 25, 1.90m, 104kg

FIJI SQUAD

Campese Ma’afu, Peni Ravai, Joeli Veitayaki, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Jale Sassen, Sunia Koto, Manasa Saulo, Leeroy Atalifo, Mesake Doge, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Nemia Soqeta, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Naulia Dawai, Mosese Voka, Akapusi Qera (capt), Eremasi Radrodro

Nikola Matawalu, Serupepeli Vularika, Nemia Kenatale, Ben Volavola, Vatemo Ravouvou, Albert Vulivuli, Waisea Nayacalevu, Vereniki Goneva, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Nemani Nadolo, Josua Tuisova, Kini Murimurivalu

Normally I don't get too excited about Baa-Baas games, but this one is different for me because a) It's in Belfast and b) It's the first time I'm ever going to go and see the Barbarians play live! Should be a good night. The Barbarians have played in Belfast before, but 1957 was a wee bit before my time.

Should be a great game and a great occassion!

Good to see a couple of guys from Ulster taking part.

I always think that the Baabaas loses some of its magic when it's just SH countries supplying the players.

yappysnap wrote:Good to see a couple of guys from Ulster taking part.

I always think that the Baabaas loses some of its magic when it's just SH countries supplying the players.

It definitely helps when they have a few players who are local to whatever city they happen to be playing in

Fiji have named their squad for the November Tests- some great players in there, especially excited about seeing Nakarawa and Nadolo.

Forwards: Campese Ma’afu, Peni Ravai, Joeli Veitayaki, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Jale Sassen, Sunia Koto, Manasa Saulo, Leeroy Atalifo, Mesake Doge, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Nemia Soqeta, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Naulia Dawai, Mosese Voka, Akapusi Qera (capt), Eremasi Radrodro

Backs: Nikola Matawalu, Serupepeli Vularika, Nemia Kenatale, Ben Volavola, Vatemo Ravouvou, Albert Vulivuli, Waisea Nayacalevu, Vereniki Goneva, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Nemani Nadolo, Josua Tuisova, Kini Murimurivalu

yappysnap wrote:Good to see a couple of guys from Ulster taking part.

I always think that the Baabaas loses some of its magic when it's just SH countries supplying the players.

I was hoping we'd see Piutau playing, still time for him to be named but think it's a game that would be ideal for him

More signing up for the BaaBaas - http://www.planetrugby.com/news/baa-baas-add-new-zealand-quality/
I must say that I was hoping for a few more Northern Hem players to showcase them.

Some brilliant t backs in that Fiji squad. They just need the forwards to do a job.

Be great to see some AP players in there like Tom Wood, Simpson, Wade, Nick Evans, Charlie Sharples just off the top of my head

yappysnap wrote:Be great to see some AP players in there like Tom Wood, Simpson, Wade, Nick Evans, Charlie Sharples just off the top of my head

Maybe even some (ex) Ulstermen, Steenson, Afoa, McAllister or Whitten

Waldrom would be a great addition

Who else are the BaaBaas playing?

propdavid_london wrote:Who else are the BaaBaas playing?

South Africa at Wembley on the 5th November, Czech Republic in Prague on the 8th November and then Fiji in Belfast on the 11th to finish off their tour. Meanwhile, a rake of NZ Super Rugby players have been named for the BaaBaas.

http://www.barbarianfc.co.uk/news/super-rugby-stars-hungry-to-impress-against-south-africa/

And England.......

More SuperRugby players joining up- http://www.planetrugby.com/news/baa-baas-add-four-australians/

This Fiji vs SuperRugby Select  would have better played in Fiji before they all flew out surely?

Any pretence that the Barbarians is anything other than a SH entity is pretty much removed now.

Cyril wrote:This Fiji vs SuperRugby Select  would have better played in Fiji before they all flew out surely?

Any pretence that the Barbarians is anything other than a SH entity is pretty much removed now.

Or maybe they are waiting to announce the NH players until after this weekends games to make sure everybodys available?

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:This Fiji vs SuperRugby Select  would have better played in Fiji before they all flew out surely?

Any pretence that the Barbarians is anything other than a SH entity is pretty much removed now.

Or maybe they are waiting to announce the NH players until after this weekends games to make sure everybodys available?

Are there any spaces for NH players left?

I can't see any NH players of note being available given the timing of the games.

Cyril wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:This Fiji vs SuperRugby Select  would have better played in Fiji before they all flew out surely?

Any pretence that the Barbarians is anything other than a SH entity is pretty much removed now.

Or maybe they are waiting to announce the NH players until after this weekends games to make sure everybodys available?

Are there any spaces for NH players left?

I can't see any NH players of note being available given the timing of the games.

There are only 19 players announced so far, two of whom are Pienaar and Tuohy and the BaaBaas usually use around 30 players during the AIs

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:This Fiji vs SuperRugby Select  would have better played in Fiji before they all flew out surely?

Any pretence that the Barbarians is anything other than a SH entity is pretty much removed now.

Or maybe they are waiting to announce the NH players until after this weekends games to make sure everybodys available?

Are there any spaces for NH players left?

I can't see any NH players of note being available given the timing of the games.

There are only 19 players announced so far, two of whom are Pienaar and Tuohy and the BaaBaas usually use around 30 players during the AIs

We'll wait and see then, but I would imagine they're on the phone to the likes of Riki Flutey as we type...

Cyril wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:This Fiji vs SuperRugby Select  would have better played in Fiji before they all flew out surely?

Any pretence that the Barbarians is anything other than a SH entity is pretty much removed now.

Or maybe they are waiting to announce the NH players until after this weekends games to make sure everybodys available?

Are there any spaces for NH players left?

I can't see any NH players of note being available given the timing of the games.

There are only 19 players announced so far, two of whom are Pienaar and Tuohy and the BaaBaas usually use around 30 players during the AIs

We'll wait and see then, but I would imagine they're on the phone to the likes of Riki Flutey as we type...

If you say so

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:This Fiji vs SuperRugby Select  would have better played in Fiji before they all flew out surely?

Any pretence that the Barbarians is anything other than a SH entity is pretty much removed now.

Or maybe they are waiting to announce the NH players until after this weekends games to make sure everybodys available?

Are there any spaces for NH players left?

I can't see any NH players of note being available given the timing of the games.

There are only 19 players announced so far, two of whom are Pienaar and Tuohy and the BaaBaas usually use around 30 players during the AIs

We'll wait and see then, but I would imagine they're on the phone to the likes of Riki Flutey as we type...

If you say so

Seriously though, when was the last time a Barbarians side wasn't mostly fringe SH internationals, battered warhorses with the odd NH player thrown in? Recent games between a SH side and the Barbarians could have been a Super Rugby testimonial game (just using NH stadia).

Pienaar, I would imagine, is putting himself in the shop window if he hasn't officially signed for anyone yet.

Cyril wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:This Fiji vs SuperRugby Select  would have better played in Fiji before they all flew out surely?

Any pretence that the Barbarians is anything other than a SH entity is pretty much removed now.

Or maybe they are waiting to announce the NH players until after this weekends games to make sure everybodys available?

Are there any spaces for NH players left?

I can't see any NH players of note being available given the timing of the games.

There are only 19 players announced so far, two of whom are Pienaar and Tuohy and the BaaBaas usually use around 30 players during the AIs

We'll wait and see then, but I would imagine they're on the phone to the likes of Riki Flutey as we type...

If you say so

Seriously though, when was the last time a Barbarians side wasn't mostly fringe SH internationals, battered warhorses with the odd NH player thrown in? Recent games between a SH side and the Barbarians could have been a Super Rugby testimonial game (just using NH stadia).

Pienaar, I would imagine, is putting himself in the shop window if he hasn't officially signed for anyone yet.

Oh FFS would you stop your complaining, they pick who is available and its not Pienaars first BaaBaas run out

Him and Tuohy are there to sell tickets at Ravenhill

Last year guys like Dave Ward, Shane Jennings, Adam Jones, Cuthbert, Al Kellock all played for them

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Cyril wrote:This Fiji vs SuperRugby Select  would have better played in Fiji before they all flew out surely?

Any pretence that the Barbarians is anything other than a SH entity is pretty much removed now.

Or maybe they are waiting to announce the NH players until after this weekends games to make sure everybodys available?

Are there any spaces for NH players left?

I can't see any NH players of note being available given the timing of the games.

There are only 19 players announced so far, two of whom are Pienaar and Tuohy and the BaaBaas usually use around 30 players during the AIs

We'll wait and see then, but I would imagine they're on the phone to the likes of Riki Flutey as we type...

If you say so

Seriously though, when was the last time a Barbarians side wasn't mostly fringe SH internationals, battered warhorses with the odd NH player thrown in? Recent games between a SH side and the Barbarians could have been a Super Rugby testimonial game (just using NH stadia).

Pienaar, I would imagine, is putting himself in the shop window if he hasn't officially signed for anyone yet.

Oh FFS would you stop your complaining, they pick who is available and its not Pienaars first BaaBaas run out

Him and Tuohy are there to sell tickets at Ravenhill

Last year guys like Dave Ward, Shane Jennings, Adam Jones, Cuthbert, Al Kellock all played for them

Woah there! Not really complaining, just commenting on the modern make-up of the Barbarians. It's just the way its importance has shifted in the modern game and it just feels like a SH thing now (rather than a true invitational side).

Gotta say, the Barbarians are like an old boyband.  Nobody listens to their music anymore.  All the once screaming girls have matured and are now into indie rock.  But the boys have a manager who doesn't know when enough is enough - and they're still under contract to him + they have to pay their bills.  So they keep on the tour bus....mini van .... and keep turning up at little villages to sing songs to middle aged drunks in run down pub 'venues'.

SecretFly wrote:Gotta say, the Barbarians are like an old boyband.  Nobody listens to their music anymore.  All the once screaming girls have matured and are now into indie rock.  But the boys have a manager who doesn't know when enough is enough - and they're still under contract to him + they have to pay their bills.   So they keep on the tour bus....mini van   .... and keep turning up at little villages to sing songs to middle aged drunks in run down pub 'venues'.

That's a little harsh on The Kingspan and the locals

Got to say, think its much better that the Barbarians are comprised of younger Super Rugby players looking to breakthrough to test level than old international veterans looking for a bit of craic!

NH players are a no-go- not because of the Barbarians selection policy, but because of the defensiveness of Northern clubs and Unions regarding player release. Thats how it is, and not wrongly so- however if there is a way to keep the tradition alive then I welcome it with open arms, even if it does mean all SH players.

Excellent. Didn't even know that this was on.

Tommy Bowe has been added to the Barbarians panel for the game in Belfast- the three Ulster players won't be available for this weekends game against South Africa but will join up with the squad when they arrive in Belfast.

Although 2 of them are Ulster backline players and the way that's been going this year we shall see if they are still available after edinburgh

SecretFly wrote:Gotta say, the Barbarians are like an old boyband.  Nobody listens to their music anymore.  All the once screaming girls have matured and are now into indie rock.  But the boys have a manager who doesn't know when enough is enough - and they're still under contract to him + they have to pay their bills.  So they keep on the tour bus....mini van   .... and keep turning up at little villages to sing songs to middle aged drunks in run down pub 'venues'.

Fly - are you accusing the Babas of having syphillis and trouble peeing?

Notch wrote:Tommy Bowe has been added to the Barbarians panel for the game in Belfast- the three Ulster players won't be available for this weekends game against South Africa but will join up with the squad when they arrive in Belfast.

Trying to shift more tickets still quite a few available which is a shame

Always makes me think what a character Mark Regan was, for walking out on his club Bristol when the baabaas invited him to play.

marty2086 wrote:

Notch wrote:Tommy Bowe has been added to the Barbarians panel for the game in Belfast- the three Ulster players won't be available for this weekends game against South Africa but will join up with the squad when they arrive in Belfast.

Trying to shift more tickets still quite a few available which is a shame

They've made them too expensive. £20 for an adult on the terraces, going up to £35 for the grandstand is way too hefty for an exhibition game.

Notch wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Notch wrote:Tommy Bowe has been added to the Barbarians panel for the game in Belfast- the three Ulster players won't be available for this weekends game against South Africa but will join up with the squad when they arrive in Belfast.

Trying to shift more tickets still quite a few available which is a shame

They've made them too expensive. £20 for an adult on the terraces, going up to £35 for the grandstand is way too hefty for an exhibition game.

Problem is Ulster have probably had to pay a big fee to get the game so have costs to cover

The problem is the timing of these matches - This BaaBaa side has a heck of a lot of super rugby players and SH youth. Traditionally I would like to see a BaaBaas side packed with international talent and then a smattering of local youth and emerging players.
In the past we have seen Daly, Sam Jones line up for the BaaBaas, as others have said Dave Ward too.

But with the timing - Full international window, lots of injuries, and LV fixtures where those youth and emerging players are involved with their clubs - then availability is an issue.

I would love to see Odogwu, Wade, Sam Hill, K.Brookes, Tommy Taylor, Kvesic, Simpson - all involved, but it just doesn't fit into the schedule.

So, we get a BaaBaas side like we have now - I cant imagine they will have sold many tickets for Wembley match.

The Regan example was given earlier, he was told by Bristol not to play for the BaaBaas and others were told too by their clubs as they were needed for the LV Cup. Regan ignored them and played, the others didn't play in the LV Cup, so these guys are between a rock and hard place and its a shame that more NH based guys cant play with the LV Cup and Top 14 going on

Its also a shame more Irish players aren't included, guys like Aki, Adeolokun and Kelleher at Connacht would be great assets to the BaaBaas and some of the Leinster players that aren't away too

1 Reggie Goodes (Hurricanes)
2 Akker van der Merwe (Lions)
3 Ben Franks (London Irish & New Zealand)
4 Michael Fatialofa (Hurricanes)
5 Sam Carter (Brumbies & Australia)
6 Brad Shields (Hurricanes)
7 Jordan Taufua (Crusaders)
8 Luke Whitelock (Highlanders & New Zealand)
9 Andy Ellis (Crusaders/Kobelco & New Zealand, Captain)
10 Robert du Preez (Stormers)
11 Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs/Panasonic & Australia)
12 Richard Buckman (Highlanders/Panasonic)
13 Tommy Bowe (Ulster & Ireland)
14 Matt Faddes (Highlanders)
15 Melani Nanai (Blues)

Replacements:
16 Andrew Ready (Reds)
17 Toby Smith (Rebels & Australia)
18 Paddy Ryan (Waratahs & Australia)
19 Martin Muller (Lions)
20 Ruan Ackermann (Lions)
21 Ruan Pienaar (Ulster & South Africa)
22 Richard Mo'unga (Crusaders)
23 Luke Morahan (Force & Australia)

Fiji Team v Barbarians:

1 Campese Ma'afu
2 Jale Sassen
3 Manasa Saulo
4 Api Ratuniyawara
5 Dom Waqaniburotu
6 Nauliu Dawai
7 Mosese Voka
8 Akapusi Qera (Captain)
9 Seru Vularika
10 Ben Volavola
11 Nemani Nadolo
12 Albert Vulivuli
13 Asaeli Tikorotuma
14 Waisea Nayacelevu
15 Benito Masilevu

Replacements:
16 Sunia Koto
17 Joeli Veitayaki
18 Leeroy Atalifo
19 Nemia Soqeta
20 Eramasi Radrodro
21 Nemia Kenatale
22 Metui Talebula
23 Vatemo Ravouvou

if any one of those back rowers form either team wants to stay in Ulster afterwards, we'd be delighted to have them.

heading along to this - really looking forward to it.

Don Alfonso wrote:if any one of those back rowers form either team wants to stay in Ulster afterwards, we'd be delighted to have them.

heading along to this - really looking forward to it.

You think there were any Irish immigrants to Fiji who have relatives in that backrow so Nucifora cant claim an indigenous players path is being blocked?

Reckon it could be a cracking game, the BaaBaas looked good against SA at the weekend and both teams will look to throw the ball about just hope it doesn't rain too heavily

A shame its not a sell out with the NI game on plus the prices was a tough ask

Going to this a well, haven't been able to get to as many Ulster games as I normally do so afar this season.

Date for this worked out to arrange,
Never seen the Baa Baas live so really looking forward to it, and both teams like to play attacking running rugby, so should be entertaining.

Bringing a few to their first trip to Ravenhill, however I am disappointed in the ticket price, £27.50 per person on terrace, (could get end tickets for £22.50, but want a good view)

Hope to be able to take them again to an Ulster game later in the season, think they will be relieved that tickets will be cheaper.

Any chance we could just add an O' to one of the backrowers names and maybe Nucifora won't notice?

Nucifora is a right popular fella in Ulster

SecretFly wrote:Nucifora is a right popular fella in Ulster

Yeah so popular in fact I'm pretty sure if he came up here we would all just want a hug and a quiet chat to pick his brains because the man is such a genuis. Probably somewhere remote and soundproof.

Unfortunately this game didn't really live up to its billing at all! The Barbarians scored some really nice rugby, scored some nice tries and there were a few more that would have been great if the last pass had been held. Robert du Preez looks like a serious player and if he's not on the Springbok radar for any reason, some club in Europe will do extremely well if they pick him up. He even kicked a drop goal conversion from the touchline! Skills to pay the bills...

Unfortunately there were a lot of mistakes from the BaaBaas too- not for lack of skill, but from playing in the worst, wettest, windiest night of the year so far in Belfast- and for Belfast thats notable... They tried to offload and be expansive but on a night like tonight, thats always going to be a really tough ask and somemistakes were made.

But not only was the night muck, Fiji were really muck. They had interviews in the match programme with them saying that this was a test match for them, and this was about preparing to take on England- well if they go to Twickenham and play like that they will get smashed out of the gate. We're looking at 50 points getting put on them, easily, as a bare minimum. Couldn't win their own lineout at all barely, half their passes from the base of the scrum or the ruck were at ankle height, for long stretches they couldn't put three phases together without a turnover or a dropped ball. Couldn't finish their breakfast. Every now and again one player would step someone or make a strong carry but it was not much of a team effort.

After watching the way they played in Olympic Sevens its baffling to me that they can not get it together in the 15-man code. I dunno. Maybe they don't get much torrential rain in Fiji.

Highlights- some nicely taken scores from the Baa-baas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkzW1tw6yyc&feature=youtu.be

Fiji were a disappointment, offloading game was none existent for them though so was the support play

Maybe the weather just made them think they couldn't be arsed

Fair play to Deans and Greenwood for what they brought to the BaaBaas, some old school vales and plays. Andy Ellis as well seems to have really bought into that and its rebuilding the Barbarians name

Fiji weren't allowed any of their NH players, were they?

Loads of names there that I just didn't recognise.

George Carlin wrote:Fiji weren't allowed any of their NH players, were they?

Loads of names there that I just didn't recognise.

International window. Clubs can't refuse to release. Vulivuli, Quera and Nadolo all play in France. Ma'afu plays in England.

Do we reckon Fiji will get the likes of Matawalu and Nakawara for the England match?