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Barbarians take on Argentina live on Sky Sports

World Cup winner Nehe Milner-Skudder starts at full-back for the Barbarians
Image: World Cup winner Nehe Milner-Skudder starts at full-back for the Barbarians

World Cup finalists from New Zealand and Australia will align in a star-studded Barbarians line-up to face Argentina on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 2 HD.

New Zealand wing Nehe Milner-Skudder lines up alongside Australia centre Tevita Kuridrani, three weeks on from the All Blacks' 34-17 triumph against the Wallabies, in a side packed with talent from both teams.

Baa-Baas head coach Michael Cheika, who steered Australia to the final, has also called upon five South Africa internationals and giant wing Nemani Nadolo of Fiji.

Argentina head coach Daniel Hourcade makes seven changes to the team beaten by South Africa in the World Cup Bronze final match last month.

Julia Montoya, Ramiro Herrera, Matías Alemanno, Javier Ortega Desio, Nicolás Sánchez, Santiago Cordero, Jerónimo De la Fuente and Matías Moroni all remain, while Emiliano Boffelli will make his international debut if he comes off the bench.

The fixture will be the first time the two teams have met in almost exactly 25 years, with the last contest a 34-22 win for the Barbarians in November 1990.

Barbarians coach Michael Cheika says his side will play with an edge
Image: Barbarians coach Michael Cheika says his side will play with an edge

The Barbarians comes into the match on the back of a 62-14 win over Gloucester on Tuesday night, and Cheika has promised more tries from his side at Twickenham.

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"It's not just about being rugby's version of the Harlem Globetrotters," said Cheika. "It is about playing attacking rugby with good skills and a little edge as well. We are here to win games and play some very good rugby. 

"The Barbarians have a long list of famous international scalps they have claimed and the players have it in their minds that they want to collect another scalp on Saturday. 

"It's all about wanting to win while being prepared to do something daring. To do something different which is the hallmark of the Barbarians.

"It is wonderful having such talent from different countries at our disposal. Guys who would be our enemies are now on our side, so it's been a fantastic experience coaching these players."

Live International Rugby Union

Argentina: 15 Ramiro Moyano, 14 Matías Moroni, 13 Jerónimo De la Fuente, 12 Santiago González Iglesias, 11 Santiago Cordero, 10 Nicolás Sánchez, 9 Martín Landajo (c); 1 Lucas Noguera, 2 Julián Montoya, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 4 Guido Petti, 5 Matías Alemanno, 6 Pablo Matera, 7 Javier Ortega Desio, 8 Facundo Isa.

Replacements: 16 Santiago Iglesias Valdez, 17 Santiago García Botta, 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 19 Tomas Lezana, 20 Leonardo Senatore, 21 Felipe Ezcurra, 22 Gabriel Ascarate, 23 Emiliano Boffelli.

Barbarians: 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Tawera Kerr Barlow; 1 Thomas du Toit, 2 Stephen Moore, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 4 Lood de Jager, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 6 Scott Fardy, 7 Ardie Savea, 8 Stephen Hoiles.

Replacements (from): James Hanson, Jamie Mackintosh, Toby Smith, Bakkies Botha, Jarrad Butler, Cobus Reinach, Pat Lambie, Francois Venter, Joe Tomane.

Watch Argentina v Barbarians live on Sky Sports 2 HD on Saturday from 3pm. Catch the match for £6.99 on NOW TV. No contract.

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