It’s always enjoyable looking at a Barbarians selection, and this is a strong-looking side to take on South Africa at Wembley on Saturday.

BARBARIANS
15 Melani Nanai (Blues)
14 Matt Faddes (Highlanders)
13 Seta Tamanivalu (Crusaders & New Zealand)
12 Richard Buckman (Highlanders & Panasonic)
11 Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs, Panasonic & Australia)
10 Robert du Preez (Stormers)
9 Andy Ellis (Crusaders, Kobelco Steelers & New Zealand)
1 Reggie Goodes (Hurricanes)
2 Akker van der Merwe (Lions)
3 Paddy Ryan (Waratahs & Australia)
4 Martin Muller (Lions)
5 Michael Fatialofa (Hurricanes)
6 Brad Shields (Hurricanes)
7 Jordan Taufua (Crusaders)
8 Luke Whitelock (Highlanders & New Zealand)

Replacements:
16 Andrew Ready (Reds)
17 Schalk van der Merwe (Montpellier)
18 Toby Smith (Rebels & Australia)
19 Sam Carter (Brumbies & Australia)
20 Ruan Ackermann (Lions)
21 Nic Stirzaker (Rebels)
22 Richard Mo’unga (Crusaders)
23 Luke Morahan (Force & Australia)

The Barbarians will field four South African-born players when they take on the Springboks in the Killik Cup match at Wembley Stadium on Saturday (3.30pm).

Stormers fly half Robert du Preez, Lions hooker Akker van der Merwe, Hurricanes prop Reggie Goodes and Lions lock Martin Muller all start against their fellow countrymen with young Lions flanker Ruan Ackermann on the bench.

There are seven internationals in the match day squad with New Zealand’s 2011 World Cup winner Andy Ellis captaining the side.

Du Preez’s father – also named Robert – won seven caps in the 1990s for South Africa and his son broke into the Stormers Super Rugby side this year. He will get the chance to measure himself against Pat Lambie, who captains South Africa from fly half.

The Barbarians are taking on South Africa for the eighth time since 1952 and lead the series 4-3 after victories in 2007 and 2010.

The famous invitation side won 26-20 six years ago when tries from Australia’s Drew Mitchell (2), James O’Connor and Italy’s Quintin Geldenhuys secured victory.

Ellis appeared in that game and understands the unique way the Barbarians combine talent from around the globe in the space of a few days before taking on established international teams.

“It was a pretty special moment beating South Africa last time,” said Ellis. “It’s a beautiful thing. You make friendships. I’m still in touch with the guys I played with in 2010.

“This new team has come together, we’re getting on well and we’re having fun and now it’s just about fronting up and making sure we perform at the weekend. We understand how proud the Barbarians are and we’ve got a real job to do here.

“The guys want to play for themselves, for the club, for their families – all sorts of different motivations but we’re in a pretty good place. Boks taking on the Boks helps. They’ll certainly want to prove themselves.”

After facing South Africa, the Barbarians travel to play the Czech Republic in Prague (November 8) and then take on Fiji in Belfast (November 11).

Ulster’s Ruan Pienaar and Dan Tuohy will join the squad in Belfast and British & Irish Lions wing Tommy Bowe and New Zealand’s double World Cup winner Ben Franks (London Irish) were today added to the group heading for the Kingspan Stadium.

Tickets to the Barbarians v South Africa match for the Killik Cup at Wembley Stadium are available from £20* Visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk Other tickets from £40 adults, £20 concessions (U18 & 60+) & family packages. (*Limited tickets available. Booking fees apply)

(Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images sent by Barbarians)