Discarded duo called up
Vainikolo and Balshaw in Baa-Baas squad
Last updated: 20th May 2008
Vainikolo: Barbarians call up
The Barbarians have named a strong 30-man squad for their three-match summer programme, with discarded England duo Iain Balshaw and Lesley Vainikolo selected.
Vainikolo and Balshaw were both mainstays of Brian Ashton's RBS Six Nations squad - however, with Martin Johnson now in charge, neither has been included for the two-Test tour to New Zealand.
And England could now face the Gloucester duo, along with fellow former players Andy Gomarsall, Mark Regan and Danny Grewcock, on June 1.
The Baa-Baas, who also face Belgium and Ireland, have named a strong over-season contingent, with Stephen Larkham, Morgan Turinui, David Croft and Craig Newby among those included, while Dai Young will coach the side.
Barbarians president Micky Steele-Bodger said: "Like England and Ireland, we have had to cut our selection cloth in line with the European commitments of other clubs this weekend.
"However, we are delighted that players from Bath and Worcester, for instance, will be joining us in time for the second and third fixtures.
"Indeed, we are most appreciative of the co-operation we have received from a host of clubs across the board in making players available this year."
Barbarians - Backs: I Balshaw (Gloucester), P Hewat (London Irish), T Delport (Worcester), L Vainikolo (Gloucester), G Thomas (Cardiff Blues), M Turinui (Queensland Reds), J Pretorius (Stormers), S Mapusua (London Irish), T Smith (ACT Brumbies), S Larkham (unattached), G Jackson (Saracens), A Gomarsall (Harlequins), M Claassens (Bath), R Powell (Worcester).
Forwards: F Pucciarello (Munster), C Visagie (Saracens), O le Roux (Leinster), P Collazo (Gloucester), D Crompton (Bristol), M Regan (Bristol), S Bruno (Sale Sharks), J Harrison (Ulster), K Chesney (Saracens), D Grewcock (Bath), R Skeate (Stormers), P Wannenburg (Blue Bulls), M Molitika (Cardiff Blues), D Croft (Queensland Reds), M Chapman, C Newby (Otago Highlanders).
Six Nations Top 6
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wales | 5 | 10 |
| 2 | England | 5 | 6 |
| 3 | France | 5 | 6 |
| 4 | Ireland | 5 | 4 |
| 5 | Scotland | 5 | 2 |
| 6 | Italy | 5 | 2 |
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