Why the Barbarians are more relevant than ever
Saturday 1 December 2018
Myles McDevitt – UCFB Multimedia Sports Journalism Student 2018
There is one final game of this compelling Autumn Internationals series and it comprises one of the best sides in World Rugby. Argentina are involved but it’s the return of the Barbarians to Twickenham to take on Los Pumas naming a side packed full of Springboks with world class talent on show at Rugby HQ.
Captaining the side is All Black Wyatt Crockett with Southern Hemisphere stars such as Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi, Handre Pollard and Damien De Allande. There are also places for Pumas legend Juan Manuel Leguizemon and Italian speedster Tomasso Benvenuti.
The Barbarians are a total joy to watch. Go back and watch the rollercoaster of a fixture against England where they turned on the show against Eddie Jones’s side which put Chris Ashton back into England contention after scoring a hat trick. They scored tries from one end to the pitch to another, giving great pleasure for all those that were watching in the stands and on TV.
The brand is still strong even to this day. They have been coached by legends of the game with Springbok Coach Rassie Erasmus chosen to engineer the side to victory on Saturday after putting the South Africa back as a highly charged force in world rugby.
What people love about the Barbarians is the fact they have a uniquely different way to any other rugby team on the planet. Yes, they are not involved in major tournaments but they do play for the love of the game. Whether its scoring tries, running line breaks from deep and thinking of things that no other rugby side can do as they bind together talent from all over the world.
Their relevance will always be felt as they have entertained audiences from when they formed in 1890. Since then players from 31 countries have worn the black and white shirt of the Baa-Baas and given us some great moments such as Gareth Edwards try in 1973 against the All Blacks which is considered to be the greatest try ever scored.
It is worth noting that Edwards try was broadcast by the BBC that day who will cover the match this Saturday giving greater exposure to a terrestrial audience.
So, for anyone who tunes into the BBC or is going to Twickenham, saviour every moment, you can’t take your eyes off the Barbarians.