England v Samoa: New roles and squad depth

“Everyone in the team has got a different role this week. That is what is exciting for us.”

At Pennyhill Park on Thursday lunchtime Eddie Jones was on very good form as he lifted the lid on his selection choices for England’s final Test of 2017 against Samoa. This week and this Test match is all about continuing to increase England’s depth in two specific areas; depth of experience and depth of leadership. 

“At the start of the year in Portugal we put out 12 rugby balls. Each of the balls signified a game in our season - we have got 12 Tests. I said to the players ‘for each of these balls, some of you will be starting players, some of you will be finishing players and some of you will be squad players but you have all got a role to play in making England win’."

“Great squads have that ability for people to change their roles and still contribute. It is a great test for players this week who have been starting guys to become finishers and to see how they support the team because that is so important. For some guys have been squad members now their job is to be starting guys and they have got to understand their role and understand their role completely and do it well because it’s different."

Eddie Jones elaborated further on the intracies of these different roles using the examples of two specific individuals; Jamie George and Ellis Genge. For the Saracen it will be about getting the scrum right and working out what the referee wants to see from the offset without having time to reflect on the bench. This of course is something he does day in and day out so it shouldn't be an issue but his national head coach will want to see it for his own eyes in an England jersey. Equally when it comes to Ellis Genge being a starter then he must set also the tone at the set piece and after that deliver his ball carrying impact around the park.

When it comes to England’s co-captains, George Ford and Chris Robshaw, both were very clear that on the field it will be business as usual. The fly-half will continue run the attack and the flanker will focus more with regard to England’s forward pack and defence. As you’d expect decisions to kick for the corner or go for the posts will be made between the two and it was made clear that as soon as Dylan Hartley arrives on the field he will take over the captinacy. Both George and Chris are natural leaders of this group and I firmly believe will lead their country with distinction as they did against the Barbarians. 

One of the most interesting aspects of this England squad will be how Alex Lozowski and Henry Slade link together in the midfield. Now, I hold my hand up in saying that last time England had a new partnership with Jonathan Joseph and Henry Slade against Argentina I got a little bit over-excited at the potential of the duo. We all know that they didn’t quite click on the day so this time around I’m keeping the excitement at a more measured level. Without question the potential of Alex Lozowski and Henry Slade as a duo is great however they will be under significant pressure from an extremely physical Samoan side so right now I’m saying let’s wait and see!

When it comes to England’s opponents Eddie Jones knows exactly what to expect having been a techincal consultant for Samoa in 2005 and the Australian has the greatest of respect for the Island nations as he articulated clearly on Thursday. 

“As I said the other day I think that Island rugby is so important for World Rugby. They bring this uniqueness to the game, they’re great athletes, they have got this freedom of expression in the way that they play the game so everything needs to be done to ensure that they keep playing the game at the highest level. 

“I think what World Rugby has done for them has been absolutely outstanding, absolutely outstanding and they never get any credit. World Rugby’s a bit like the RFU, like everything they do is not right, they never give enough money – they do, they do some great work, and they’ve done a lot of good work with Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.”

Personally I’m really excited for Saturday’s Test match and firmly believe that Eddie Jones’ approach to it is spot on. He has picked a different side for a reason, he has co-captains for a reason and is doing everything with their longer term goal in mind. This Samoan Test will be a physical and tough one and another key step on the road towards Rugby World Cup 2019. 

England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Jonny May, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Alex Lozowski, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 George Ford (co-capt), 9 Danny Care; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Maro Itoje, 7 Chris Robshaw (co-capt), 8 Sam Simmonds. Replacements: 16 Dylan Hartley, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Harry Williams, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Courtney Lawes, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 Piers Francis, 23 Semesa Rokoduguni.

Samoa: 15 Ah See Tuala, 14 Paul Perez, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Alapati Leiua, 11 David Lemi, 10 Tim Nanai-Williams, 9 Dwayne Polataivao, 1 Jordan Lay, 2 Motu Matu´u, 3 Donald Brighouse, 4 Josh Tyrell, 5 Chris Vui (c), 6 Piula Fa'asalele, 7 TJ Ioane, 8 Jack Lam. Replacements: 16 Manu Leiataua, 17 James Lay, 18 Hisa Sasagi, 19 Fa'atiga Lemalu, 20 Ofisa Treviranus, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Reynold Lee-Lo, 23 JJ Taulagi.

England v Australia: Absorbing, compelling and utterly unique

Absorbing, compelling and utterly unique. Those are the first words that spring to mind if you ask me to describe yesterday's Test match. It was the closest 30-6 victory that I've witnessed and it’s no wonder that Eddie Jones and his side were quietly content with their afternoon’s work. Australia are an excellent side and yet the game was snatched away from them. 

After what can only be described as a slightly 'flat' atmosphere at Twickenham Stadium last weekend, the stadium rocked with noise from the very first 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot' after just three minutes to England's final try one minute after the clock went red. 

“Tactically we played smart, we read the conditions, it was difficult conditions for both teams and I thought we played them superbly," said England's head coach after the game. 

"We had the confidence that we would finish the game stronger than they would.”

The most effective sporting teams in the world have the ability to take a closely-fought game away from their opponents in the blink of an eye and on Saturday that was exactly what England did. It would be remiss of me not to mention the decisions that were key talking points however they're part and parcel of sport. England's reaction to them, and indeed Owen Farrell's few words to the referee during Australia's second disallowed try, were a mark of the streetwise nature that's developed under Eddie Jones. In years gone by matches like Saturday's would have been lost, now they're won and won well. 

England’s head coach has etched the word ‘finishers’ into all of our vocabularies and boy did we see his set in full flow. The Australian always talks about the quality of the 80 minutes that Dylan Hartley & Jamie George provide him in the front row and without question the same must be said about Ben Youngs & Danny Care. The creativity that the latter brought to the game was undoubtedly one of the deciding points of the match whilst the work of the former must be credited too. Ben Youngs controlled England’s outing, alongside George Ford and Owen Farrell, and the Leicester scrum-half created opportunities from his boot too. Elsewhere England's replacement front row maintained the standards at the set piece and  Maro Itoje's early introduction sent excited ripples of noise around Twickenham Stadium. 

As a collective England's pack were tasked with 'physically dominating' their opponents and it's fair to say that they did a pretty good job of that. Much to the delight of England's fans in the stands Courtney Lawes introduced himself (in his trademark fashion) to Kurtley Beale early on and it went from there. As just mentioned England's starting and finishing front rows scrummaged hard whilst Joe Launchbury and Chris Robshaw led the work rate in defence with 19 and 11 tackles respectively. England's line speed caused Australia plenty of issues, indeed their defence is becoming world leading, and without question they will look to blow Samoa away in this area next weekend. 

An element that I’m sure Eddie Jones and his side will highlight as a work on behind closed doors is the fact that they haven't fully capitalised on sin bin periods during this autumn series. Last weekend against Argentina, and again yesterday, numerical advantages weren’t ruthlessly exploited and that must be turned around and fixed as the side move towards Rugby World Cup 2019. 

England’s victory over Australia not only secured their position as the second best Test side in the world but it was their fifth successive victory over their age old rivals. The only other English Test side to do that was the one led by Martin Johnson and coached by Sir Clive Woodward. As we know this type of record matters little to the current captain and head coach however it is another statistical illustration of the progression of this Test side. England remain undefeated at Twickenham Stadium under Eddie Jones and I expect that statement to ring true this time next week too. 

England v Australia: Preview

“There's nothing better than an Australia versus England sporting contest. I'm looking forward to Saturday, it should be a ripper of a game.”

Two sentences from Eddie Jones that hit the nail on the head because today’s Test match should a belter. Last weekend’s Test against Argentina didn’t float too many people’s boats however we’re all expecting this afternoon's 80 minutes to be the anthesis of that in every sense. 

The areas where England lacked cohesion last weekend should be back to their fluid and cohesive best. The slightly quiet and pensive atmosphere at Twickenham Stadium should be replaced with the passion that’s reserved for one of England’s greatest sporting foes. Finally, with all due respect to Argentina, the quality of rugby that the away side will deliver will be far superior to anything that we saw last weekend from the visitors. Australia are a side that are brimming with confidence and form and at their best will pose great questions of England at this moment in time.

Personnel wise England’s backline houses the familiar and exceptional glue of George Ford and Owen Farrell which will add greatly in attack and defence. 

With Australia’s threats, particularly Kurtley Beale, the vocal presence of Farrell needs to be there to secure England’s line and quickly react to what will be thrown at them. As firm as England held up last weekend, the questions that will be asked of them this afternoon will be much more testing ones. Will Genia is a constant threat, we all know how much Bernard Foley loves facing England at Twickenham and the aforementioned Kurtley Beale flies all over the park. 

When it comes to the home side’s attack then the bedding in issues that were present last weekend won’t be there and immediately that provides the opportunity for confidence to emanate off Ford and Farrell. Games become clunky and disjointed off the back of basic errors and neither England’s ten or 12 will make them today. There's no questioning the fact that lives will be made easier if England do as their head coach demands and 'physically dominate' Australia. 

Out the back England's 11, 14 and 15 have pace to burn and going forwards are as dynamic as they come. Jonny May's try-scoring record at Leicester speaks for itself, Anthony Watson's prior performances at full back indicate he is likely to be able to handle the occasion today and Elliot Daly must step up physically sharing a wing with Marika Koroibete. As a unit their own cohesiveness will be greatly tested, as will their high ball prowess, and they must pass with flying colours to provide the security that their side needs. 

Since Eddie Jones took over as England’s head coach, almost exactly two years ago, his presence has added another dimension to Test weeks against Australia. Whilst we’re all used to him being at the helm it doesn’t stop weeks like this one being filled with that little bit more intrigue to see what ‘pleasantries’ may be aimed his way. The past seven days have housed accusations of England’s ‘bullying’ tactics and a word or two about Eddie Jones being ‘a little bit spoilt’ when it comes to resources. 

The messages out of England’s camp from the man himself have been quite measured and calm. England's head coach has been an ever-present fixture at their media days this week and he has been keeping the messages fairly uniform. The Australian simply wants his side to play 'good English rugby', to ‘physically dominate’ Australia and use a key advantage that he believes that they have over Australia. That advantage is that the Wallabies haven't been able to get over the line against England for the past four Tests. 

The rainfall that was promised has just started to fall here at Twickenham Stadium and I truly hope that the conditions won't play any part in this encounter because England have a point to prove and so do Australia. The final point of note is that it's winner takes all today when it comes to the World Rugby rankings and the #2 position in the world. It's a position that I believe that England take great pride in holding and one that Australia would dearly love to pinch from them.  

England: 15 Anthony Watson, 14 Jonny May, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs; 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 3 Dan Cole, 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 Courtney Lawes, 6 Chris Robshaw, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Nathan Hughes. Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Harry Williams, 19 Maro Itoje, 20 Sam Simmonds, 21 Danny Care, 22 Henry Slade, 23 Semesa Rokoduguni.

Australia: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Marika Koroibete, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Reece Hodge, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia; 1 Scott Sio, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 3 Sekope Kepu, 4 Rob Simmons, 5 Blake Enever, 6 Ned Hanigan, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 8 Sean McMahon. Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Tom Robertson, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Ben McCalman, 21 Lopeti Timani, 22 Nick Phipps, 23 Karmichael Hunt.

England v Argentina: 'A Grindathon'

England’s autumn campaign is up and running and has started with a victory. It was a victory based on defiant defence and pulling through an afternoon that I'm sure the players themselves would describe as being  a 'somewhat frustrating' one the office. 

"It was a grindathon wasn’t it!? They played well, we were off the pace a little but I thought that there were some things that we did really well,” said Eddie Jones following the 21-8 victory. 

"The reality is that we haven’t played a game since March together and we had players coming back from the Lions who have done two training sessions with us so our fluency and understanding wasn’t there."

There's no questioning the fact his side's performance didn’t quite the pizzazz and fizz that we expected however in sport, at any level, afternoon's like Saturday's happen. Afternoons when things that you do in training stutter out there on the park. Afternoons when moves that you've run all week breakdown and afternoons when it feels everything is just that little bit harder than it should have be. These are the type of games when it's easy to let the frustration get the better of you and actually lose a match. Here I'm speaking from personal experience having been through them whilst playing national level netball in my teens and at university. As an athlete, and as a team, as much as you wish to avoid them these type of games are a fact of sporting life. Unfortuately not every day can be a walk in the park and when you get the result from a ‘grindathon’ you breathe a little sigh of relief, take it and move on knowing that next week will be better. 

On Saturday afternoon elements and areas that we thought would fly - like the midfield partnership - didn't however on any other day it may well have. Prior to the game England's head coach had highlighted that his 12-13 partnership was in its 'infancy' and  Eddie Jones' words on the subject after was that 'it just didn't gel'. I personally remain eager to see what the combination can do with further time together because the potential remains great. The interesting thing now will be to see if England's head coach decides to run the same combination again versus Australia and Samoa in order give the unit that time together?

“In terms of increasing the depth of our squad, which is the theme of 2017, we did that. We’ve got young Simmonds as a possibility at 8, Underhill looks like he can be a genuine seven, Harry Williams is coming on, Genge, Lozowski. Anthony Watston has given us a second option at full back. He did a great job. We’ve got to find one more option at full back then we’ve got the three.”

The above rings true in every sense. Sam Underhill looked a natural out there on the Twickenham turf and a player that wasn't mentioned above due to being more established - Nathan Hughes - really stepped up. The No. 8's carrying on the international stage is becoming more potent with every minute played and his hands to take George Ford's sublime pass for the try were outstanding.  

Eddie Jones' final task of the day on Saturday was to start laying pressure at Australia’s door by asking them to turn up and really be counted for at Twickenham Stadium next weekend. 

“We are hoping Australia bring their absolute best game. We want Australia to bring their best game and see where we are at.”

With that England’s head coach started to turn the spotlight onto next weekend's visitors   and inferred that if the Wallabies don’t bring their A game then they’ll be in a spot of bother! Clearly England need to make significant steps up in order to maintain their impressive home record under Eddie Jones and without question I believe that they will. 

A team that is perfect every single weekend won’t have the depth of experience required when it comes to the defining moments in the defining competitions. Roads to World Cups, and victories at them, aren't plain sailing and perfect and instead a couple of grinathons arrive along the way and teams will be better as a result of them. 

England v Argentina: Focus on England

“It’s going to be a tough game. They’re coming off the back of not a good season, they’re coach is under pressure and the players are under pressure. But, they know if they beat England at Twickenham then their whole season turns around.”

As you’d expect Eddie Jones hit the nail on the head when it came to context of this match for this afternoon's opponents. Argentina’s season has been challenging and yet all of the angst would go away in the blink of an eye if they delivered a win today. Whilst publically their Daniel Hourcade has batted the pressure back onto England, we all know that the pressure on England pressure is not the same as Argentina's in fact, it's of a totally different form. 

England’s pressure comes from their relentless drive to improve and of course the key difference between them and Argentina is that they’re working off a platform of victories and the confidence that, that provides. Eddie Jones’ side have been focused on this game since they came together for their first camp in August and without question their intention is to make a statement this afternoon. A statement that highlights their continued evolution and development as a side and a statement that’s delivered from by through a slightly ‘new look’ team. 

At the heart of that ‘new look’ is Exeter Chiefs’ Henry Slade. The Exeter Chief, like others that Eddie Jones has brought into the squad, hasn’t been thrown in from day dot and instead he has had work incredibly hard on his game in order to earn this start. Yes, Owen Farrell is being rested however we all know that Eddie Jones doesn't hand out starts during the autumn internationals on a whim. If Slade wasn't up to scratch and hadn't delivered the improvement that Jones had asked of him, then he wouldn't have got a look in. 

According to his international head coach the centre has learned to work on the ‘little things’ on top of his natural game and what a natural game it is too. His left foot will add a useful kicking option, his feet and ability moving forwards will keep Argentina guessing outside of George Ford and the both of them will create so much for others flat to the line. In short the skills of England's 10, 12 and 13 today are of the highest order and it's a combination that should ooze class and creativity from the word go, despite the slightly slippery conditions here at Twickenham. 

“We’ve got to make sure that at the start of the game we set the standard and the tone of the game and that’s going to start up front. It’s going to start with the forwards, with Dylan and the front row and it goes back from there. That’s the aim of the game, to put our stamp on up front."

The start. It’s always key but when it comes to playing against a team that you should beat well then it becomes even more important to set the tone.

Eddie Jones broke it down very simply on Thursday afternoon (above) and he is absolutely right. If England’s forwards dominate, own the gain line and own the collisions then the exceptional capabilities and qualities of this hugely exciting backline can thrive. 

The long and the short of it today at Twickenham Stadium is that this England side selected has the ability to turn heads with their output later. I’ve not discussed the bench but, when you read the names on it, I don’t need to say too much do I? England’s 'finishers' are  individuals that could easily start for this side and all will be chomping at the bit to get out there later. Sam Simmonds' chance has come a little sooner than he expected and today marks the start of a big window of opportunity of him while wouldn't it be great to see Semesa Rokoduguni arrive into the mix in the second half?

The only issue that could de-rail and this all-court performance that I've been discussing and hoping for is the drizzle that's descended on Twickenham Stadium. As yet it hasn't ceased however, I remain hopeful that come kick-off the weather will have sorted itself out! Regardless of the elements I expect to see England make a statement and make it well at the start of this 2017 Old Mutual Wealth Series. 

England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Henry Slade, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs; 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 3 Dan Cole, 4 Courtney Lawes, 5 George Kruis, 6 Chris Robshaw, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Nathan Hughes. Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Harry Williams, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Sam Simmonds, 21 Danny Care, 22 Alex Lozowski, 23 Semesa Rokoduguni.

Watch the match live on Sky Sports Arena from 2.00pm. Kick-off is 3pm. 

Eddie Jones On...

On Thursday morning Eddie Jones’ selection decisions for England’s first Test of the 2017 Old Mutual Wealth Series were made clear and just a few hours later at Pennyhill Park he provided further insights into the decisions that he has made.

A full match preview article will be on the way during the course of Friday but before this one provides a snappier look at some of Eddie Jones' opinions on various subjects. 

Here the focus is on the Australian’s beliefs regarding their opponents, an insight into the reactions of Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje when they were told that they will be rested for the match and the head coach’s thoughts on Henry Slade’s development. 

Argentina

“It’s going to be a tough game. They’re coming off the back of not a good season, they’re coach is under pressure and the players are under pressure. But, they know if they beat England at Twickenham then their whole season turns around. They’ll go back to Buenos Aires sitting on the beach as heroes and everyone will want to buy them and beer and a steak. 

“So we’ve got to make sure that at the start of the game we set the standard and the tone of the game and that’s going to start up front. It’s going to start with the forwards, with Dylan and the front row and it goes back from there. That’s the aim of the game, to put our stamp on up front.”

Owen Farrell’s and Maro Itoje’s reactions to being rested

“They hate it, which is a great reaction. They hate it because they want to play every test. They love playing for England. They are proud of playing for England and they want to be part of a winning team. They don’t like it. 

“So we have got to convince them, not just me but the rest of the staff, that it is in their best interests for this period of time. Then for next week we will try to work out what is in their best interests again.”

Henry Slade’s development 

“It’s taken him some time. Sometimes those really talented kids don’t understand how you have to work hard, to change that talent into consistent performance. He’s really learned that. He is diligent about doing the small things right and his determination to get better has been outstanding.

“Just for instance, one of the most important stats we collect is on high-speed running. Imagine we kick the ball and you have to sprint after that ball, then the ball goes back over your head and you’ve got to spring back. He was the lowest in our team 12 months ago. On Tuesday when we trained he was the highest, and that just comes down to effort, application and doing the small things.”

England’s intention to be combative up front

"I think that rugby is always about that [combative up front]. That’s the great thing about our game… we’ve got a contest for the ball and that contest is between the big guys. The contest isn’t between the little guys for the ball, it’s between the big guys and you’ve got a tactical and physical contest for the ball. 

“That’s where the game is won or lost because if you get good quality ball then the little guys run with it and we’ve got guys that can run fast and that have good hands. So, we’re quite clear how we want to play rugby and we’re quite clear how we want to develop our game and this is another opportunity for us to get better on Saturday.”

Sam Underhill and back row options

"100%, he's a genuine openside. Curry is the same and Simmonds we're not quite sure yet. He might join the 6 and a half club! They're all talented players. 

"We've got some good young back-rowers coming through so it's quite exciting for us and they're all under the age of 20."

Where To Watch: England versus Argentina is live on Sky Sports Action and Main Event from 2pm on Saturday. Kick-off 3pm. 

Barbarians v New Zealand: View from Twickenham Stadium

The 62,546 people that made the journey to Twickenham Stadium on Saturday afternoon had their fingers crossed for an entertaining afternoon of rugby and that’s exactly what the Barbarians and New Zealand delivered.

It’s fair to say that the All Blacks draw in the neutral supporter like few other sides in world sport and the same must be said for the Barbarians. The Barbarians is an extremely unique and special part of rugby and this encounter cemented its place in our game beautifully. 

The game itself had a little bit of everything from ‘special’ set plays to outrageously brilliant skills and mesmeric individual performances. Vaea Fifita and Waisake Naholo stood out for New Zealand whilst Kwagga Smith and Steven Luatua tore up the Twickenham turf. If ever there was a day to split the man of the match award then it was Saturday!

Following the Test match Robbie Deans, Scott Robertson and the Barbarians' captain Andy Ellis all spoke extremely articulately about the position of the Barbarians and about exactly what it means to them. In the aftermath of some matches featuring the invitational side, often ones that have been lost, a notion is tabled that the Barbarians has 'had its day’. Personally, I’ll never agree with that and if you read the viewpoints of those that know the Barbarians better than most - Robbie Deans and Andy Ellis - then I think that you’d agree that it must be cherished. 

"From day one when everyone comes together there's a nervous energy and by day two everyone's best mates, arm in arm, having a great time together,” said the captain. 

“Then comes game-day there's music in the sheds, and smiles everywhere. The way I like to describe it is I feel like I'm seven years old again and running out on Hagley Park in the frost playing rugby because I love to play rugby. That's pretty special and hard to capture in the modern professional age.”

A love of the game is why every man or women aspires to become a professional rugby player. However, with the professional game comes huge pressure and intensity and that can often take away from some of the joy they felt when they were younger.  

This isn’t unique to rugby, I was listening to the Friday Sports Panel on BBC 5 Live and Goldie Sayers was discussing this exact topic this week. The Olympic athlete gave advice to the young 19-year-old wheelchair tennis athlete Alfie Hewett and told him to make sure that he enjoys his success because it’s far too easy to get caught up in the pressure and quest for perfection. 

The Barbarians is the place where players can freely, and wholeheartedly, express themselves and it shows in the output of the team. Saturday's encounter, from where I was sitting, felt like a joyous expression of a game that we all love so much and head coach Robbie Deans summarised it well. 

"This is the way rugby should be. The essence of rugby is that it's the ultimate team sport, caters to all shapes and sizes, and all cultures. It doesn’t matter which part of the world you go to, the doors open and you’ve got something in common."

From a Kiwi perspective the match was all about 'taking the learnings' and building into this series of games. Steve Hansen, like all international coaches right now, is looking to continue to increase the amount of experience within his squad and matches like Saturday's are invaluable to do that. 

The fact that those less experienced individuals were facing a side that is as unpredictable as the Barbarians are will help to accelerate their learning. The game time afforded to the likes of David Havili and Scott Barrett and others will be banked and come to the fore in the coming months and years. Equally, Beauden Barrett captaining the side for the first time will enhance his great bank of knowledge and in his words 'help me to assist Kieran better' in the future. 

I cannot speak highly enough of Saturday afternoon’s match and I very much look forward to watching the Barbarians and New Zealand take on their next challenges in the coming days. 

Listen to the post-match press conferences at the Out On The Full audioBoom page HERE. 

Barbarians v New Zealand: Spotlight

(C) @Barbarian_FC

Beauden Barrett will captain New Zealand for the first time on Saturday when they face the Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium. 

The fly-half has made 59 appearances in the famous black jersey and will become the 132nd player to captain an All Blacks side. In total 68 players have had the honour of captaining an All Blacks Test side while another 63 have captained the side in non-Tests like one.  

This match against the Barbarians marks the start of New Zealand’s five-Test tour and it's live on Sky Sports Action from 2.30pm on Saturday. Following this outing, the world leaders will face France in a capped Test match at the Stade de France before duelling with a ‘French XV’ three days later in Lyon. 

Once New Zealand have finished in France they are off to BT Murrayfield to face Gregor Townsend’s Scotland. The party will finish their tour at the Principality Stadium and that will be an opportunity for Steve Hansen and Warren Gatland to renew their acquaintance!! 

Back to Twickenham Stadium and three uncapped individuals, 20-year-old sensation Asafo Aumua, prop Tim Perry and back Matt Duffie, are named on the bench. 

Of the trio, most will have their focus firmly placed on the 20-year-old hooker who shot to stardom during this year’s World Rugby U20s Championship. The forward had a barn-storming competition and in particular took the final against England by storm. A hat-trick of tries was the result of his powerful and effervescent performance and coming off the bench in this match should be the perfect way to introduce him to Test-level rugby. He’s likely to learn a thing or two over the course of this tour but something tells me that we might just see him fly in South West London this weekend! 

Needless to say, New Zealand's Steve Hansen is looking forward to the opportunity that this match provides to his side.

“It’s very rare that we get the chance to play a non-Test match in the modern era and it’s given us the chance to give our full squad an opportunity to stake claims for future matches and gain valuable big-match experience" said Hansen to allblacks.com.

The world-famous invitational side are being led by Robbie Deans who has named a 26-man squad for this match against New Zealand and for their next game against Tonga at Thomond Park. 

Deans was the man who guided them to a 31-31 draw with South Africa at Wembley last year and also to their 22-21 victory over Ireland in May 2015, so he knows a thing or two about leading the unique side and getting them set for action. 

A name that jumps out from the 26 is that of Julian Savea alongside another hugely physical presence in their backs Taqele Naiyaravoro. 

"The Bus is coming!" - Aaron Smith talks about what it will be like to face @juliansavea7 when the #AllBlacks take on @Barbarian_FC. pic.twitter.com/i86jtggjZz

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) 31 October 2017

In the forwards Steven Luatua, who is currently plying his trade at Bristol RFC, Gloucester’s Ruan Ackermann and London Irish’s Ben Franks are some of the more recognisable names to those that follow their rugby here in the Northern Hemisphere. 

The match itself will be the 11th time that New Zealand have played the Barbarians in their 127-year history and Steve Hansen has promised that it will be a ‘very entertaining match’. 

A quick look at the Met Office website has told me that conditions should be perfect! A spot of rain is currently forecast for early on Saturday morning before it passes and leaves a dry and crisp day. Fingers crossed that they are spot on with this forecast!

The Barbarians is a beloved part of world rugby and something that should be cherished greatly by our sport and, I for one, can't wait to see them take on a motivated and enigmatic New Zealand side at Twickenham Stadium. 

Barbarians: Forwards: Ruan Ackermann (Gloucester), Dominic Bird (Chiefs & New Zealand), Willie Britz (Sunwolves), Sam Carter (Brumbies & Australia), Simone Favaro (Fiamme Oro), Ben Franks (London Irish & New Zealand), Dillon Hunt (Highlanders), Steven Luatua (Bristol & New Zealand), Atu Moli (Chiefs), Kwagga Smith (Lions), Ruan Smith (Toyota Verblitz), Adriaan Strauss (Bulls & South Africa), Akker van der Merwe (Sharks), Jacques van Rooyen (Lions), Luke Whitelock (Highlanders & New Zealand) 

Backs: Vince Aso (Hurricanes), George Bridge (Crusaders), Richard Buckman (Highlanders), Mitchell Drummond (Crusaders), Robert du Preez (Stormers), Andy Ellis (Kobelco Steelers & New Zealand), Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders) Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs & Australia), Julian Savea (Hurricanes & New Zealand), Nic Stirzaker (Rebels) Harold Vorster (Lions). 

New Zealand: 15. David Havili, 14. Waisake Naholo, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 12. Ngani Laumape, 11. Seta Tamanivalu, 10. Beauden Barrett (c) 9. TJ Perenara, 1. Kane Hames, 2. Nathan Harris, 3. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Scott Barrett, 6. Vaea Fifita, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Jerome Kaino. Replacements: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Tim Perry, 18. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen,19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Sam Cane, 21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22. Lima Sopoaga, 23. Matt Duffie

In case you fancy a trip to Twickenham Stadium on Saturday to watch this game live HERE is the link that you need to have a little look at tickets! Otherwise catch the match on Sky Sports Action from 2.30pm.