Christian Lealiifano can prove a point to Wallabies

Christian Lealiifano is keen to show Australia what they will miss at the World Cup when the Barbarians face Samoa at London's Olympic Stadium, according to Jamie Joseph.

The Brumbies back, who is of Samoan descent, failed to make the cut for coach Michael Cheika's final World Cup squad of 31, and will now take on the Pacific Islanders on Saturday.

The 27-year-old lost out to Toulon star Matt Giteau, available again after the Wallabies eased their selection policy on overseas-based players.

Super 15-winning Highlanders coach Joseph will lead the Barbarians in the inaugural rugby match at London's Olympic Stadium and is backing Leali'ifano to impress.

"Christian is a quality player, I think the Wallabies are well aware of his abilities too," Joseph said. "But it never hurts to show what you can do in the international arena.

"You never know when injuries can strike either, so while he hasn't been selected initially, stranger things have happened than him being drafted back in.

"So I'm sure he knows just how important it will be to have a strong game, and I know that he will be ready. I don't think it will be preying on anyone's mind - but a good performance wouldn't hurt, that's for sure.

"World Cup squads are very difficult to balance, I haven't really put a lot of thought to the Wallabies squad in itself. It certainly speaks of their quality and strength in depth though, in that they felt in a position to leave some of that ability out of the 31.

"But we're delighted to have Christian with us and it will be extremely exciting to see what he can do.

"I'd say it's a nice second prize to be representing the Barbarians against Samoa in the first-ever rugby match in the Olympic Stadium.

"He's hungry, he's been training really well, so we'll just let him do his thing."

Samoa: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Faatoina Autagavaia, 13 Paul Perez, 12 Rey Lee Lo, 11 Ken Pisi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotualii; 1 Sakaria Taulafo, 2 Ole Avei, 3 Anthony Perenise, 4 Teofilo Paulo, 5 Kane Thompson, 6 Maurie Faasavalu, 7 Jack Lam, 8 Ofisa Treviranus (c).

Replacements: 16 Maatulimanu Leiataua, 17 Viliamu Afatia, 18 Jake Grey, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 Vavae Tuilagi, 21 Vavao Afemai, 22 Patrick Faapale, 23 Johnny Leota.

Barbarians: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Tagele Naiyaravoro, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Dwayne Sweeney, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Luke Burgess; 1 Benn Robinson, 2 Saia Fainga'a, 3 Carl Hayman, 4 Bakkies Botha, 5 Luke Jones, 6 Adam Thomson, 7 Liam Gill, 8 Pierre Spies.

Replacements: 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Joshua Hohneck, 18 Maks van Dyk, 19 Ali Williams, 20 Jacques Potgieter, 21 Nic Groom, 22 Mike Harris, 23 Tom English.