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Springboks take on `Baa-Baas' in last game for White

Jake White's final match as the coach of world champions South Africa, against the Barbarians at Twickenham today, may, on the face of it, be a "meaningless" fixture but there is more riding on it than first glance might suggest.

Playing for the Barbarians, rugby union's most famous invitational side, was, during the sport's amateur era, considered an honor almost equivalent to representing your country.

But in an age where "club v country" rows have become a fact of rugby life at elite level, professional teams have become increasingly reluctant to release their stars for Barbarians matches.

For example, South Africa's World Cup-winning captain John Smit won't be playing for the Springboks this weekend after the hooker's French club, Clermont Auvergne, pulled rank.

And England hooker Mark Regan has risked a fine from his club Bristol by insisting he will honor a commitment to captain the Barbarians today.

Historically, touring teams such as the Springboks have frequently had an advantage over the "scratch" Barbarians when it comes to team organization.

But the professional game has tilted the balance even further against the "Baa-Baas" and it is 13 years since they last defeated one of the Tri-Nations with a win over South Africa in Dublin.

However, there is still plenty of cachet attached to playing for the Barbarians with today's squad including five All Blacks including World Cup duo Jerry Collins and Joe Rokocoko.

Barbarian officials defend their fixtures against Test teams on the grounds they raise money for the club's charities. For example, rugby in South Africa's Eastern Cape region is set to receive a sizeable cheque as a result of today's Twickenham encounter.

South Africa, who in their first outing since lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy beat Wales 34-12 in Cardiff last weekend, have managed to retain six of the team that started the World Cup final including star wing Bryan Habana.

And they will want to make sure White, who decided to end his incident-packed four years in charge after officials re-advertised his job during the World Cup, goes out with a win.
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