How the Baabaas and England could line up this weekend

May 27, 2019
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Ultimate Rugby

Pat Lam has finalised his Barbarians side to face England at Twickenham this weekend. The Bristol Bears head coach has included a number of test Internationals with 9 nations represented.

We had a crack at predicting who will make Lam's starting XV.

There are a number of talented players that will make it an exciting game. In the pack alone the likes of Facundo Isa and Liam Messam could find themselves starting from the bench as well as Edinburgh's Pierre Schoeman and Connacht's David Heffernan and Finlay Bealham.

Rhodri Williams, Brock James and Niyi Adeolokun are likely to make their impact from the bench in the backs.

With James Horwill playing his final professional game we have predicted that he will lead the side with former England International Joe Marler getting the nod to start against his former teammates.

Predicted Barbarians Starting XV

1. Joe Marler

2. Richard Hibbard

3. John Afoa

4. Chris Vui

5. James Horwill (c)

6. Steven Luatua

7. Francois Louw

8. Viliame Mata

9. Rhys Webb

10. Colin Slade

11. Taqele Naiyaravoro

12. Mark Atkinson

13. Malakai Fekitoa

14. Filipo Nakosi

15. Charles Piutau

England XV

Jim Mallinder has named a young and inexperienced squad to face the Barbarians with just 11 England caps in the entire 22. Mallinder's squad is a little look to the future of what an England XV could potentially look like.

No Saracens or Exeter Chiefs' players have been considered for selection as they face off in the Premiership final a day before the clash between the Babaas and England.

Simon Hammersley impressed in a disappointing season for Newcastle Falcons and could form a dangerous outside back combination with Ben Loader and Josh Bassett. Marcus Smith is likely to start at flyhalf with Johnny Williams at inside centre. Callum Sheedy impressed with Bristol and could come off the bench to make an impact.

Ben Obano is likely to start at loosehead with Ehren Painter or Paul Hill taking on Joe Marler. Stooke and Beaumont will most likely fill the second row with Will Spencer covering on the bench.

There is an exciting back row on the cards with Alex Dombrandt, Ben Curry and Teimana Harrison starting with Tom Ellis.

Predicted England Starting XV

1. Ben Obano

2. Tommy Taylor

3. Ehren Painter

4. Josh Beaumont

5. Elliot Stooke

6. Teimana Harrison

7. Ben Curry

8. Alex Dombrandt

9. Ben White

10. Marcus Smith