Former All Blacks star captains side as Barbarians confirm squad to face Springboks

The former All Blacks scrum-half, who has earned 89 international caps, captains a squad featuring 19 internationals representing 11 nations as the famous invitational side takes on the reigning world champions.

Perenara, who previously represented the Barbarians against Fiji in 2013, will partner Toulon and Argentina fly-half Tomás Albornoz in the half-back pairing.

In midfield, Munster centre Alex Nankivell lines up alongside France international Virimi Vakatawa.

Scotland and British & Irish Lions winger Duhan van der Merwe links up once again with former schoolmate Warrick Gelant, who will face his fellow South Africans, while Wallabies wing Andrew Kellaway completes the back three.

The forwards pack boasts a wealth of power, experience and international pedigree. Gloucester prop Mayco Vivas of Argentina joins Dragons RFC and Wales hooker Elliot Dee and Edinburgh and Scotland tight-head D’Arcy Rae in the front row.

Western Force lock Franco Molina, another Los Pumas representative, partners Bayonne’s Alex Moon in the second row.

Harlequins and Argentina veteran Guido Petti and Panasonic Wild Knights flanker Lachlan Boshier are named on the sides of the scrum, with Samoa international Miracle Fai’ilagi selected at number eight.

Barbarian F.C head coach Scott Robertson said: “We are all really excited for Saturday afternoon. To play against the world champions in South Africa is an awesome opportunity.

“We have embraced the Barbarians spirit and tradition this week, coming together as a group and enjoying each other’s company in Cape Town.

“It’s a team packed with talent, guys who have come from all over the world and have a great chance to showcase their ability in Port Elizabeth.

“We want to express ourselves and do the famous black and white jersey proud.”

There is further South American representation among the replacements, with Argentina internationals Leonel Oviedo and Pedro Delgado joined on the bench by Uruguay scrum-half Santiago Arata.

Starting XV: 15 Warrick Gelant; 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Duhan van der Merwe; 10 Tomás Albornoz, 9 TJ Perenara (capt); 1 Mayco Vivas, 2 Elliot Dee, 3 D’Arcy Rae, 4 Franco Molina, 5 Alex Moon, 6 Guido Petti, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 8 Miracle Fai’ilagi.

Replacements: 16 Leonel Oviedo, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Pedro Delgado, 19 Izack Rodda, 20 Liam McConnell, 21 Santiago Arata, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.