International Rugby Betting: England v Barbarians

International / Geoffrey Riddle / 30 May 2008 / Leave a Comment

Think of the great prizes rugby has to offer. The William Webb-Ellis Cup, the Calcutta Cup, the Bledisloe Cup, the Gartmore Challenge... What's that? The Gartmore Challenge; never heard of it? Neither has Geoff Riddle. It's the Baa-baas game Geoff!

The spirit of amateurism lives on in rugby. The assembled might of the Barbarians are ready to put Martin Johnson's England to their first test at Twickenham in aid of the Gartmore Challenge, whatever that may be.

Although Johnson doesn't officially take charge until after June's tour of New Zealand, the furrowed brow of England's greatest captain is already having an effect on selection. Official manager Rob Andrew has patched together a squad that is shorn of players from the three best clubs in the land, due to the Premiership Grand Final, and Bath players getting a well-earned rest after their European Challenge Cup victory over Worcester last weekend. It's an interesting blend of untested exuberance and adventure, and one which might sit well with the reputed outlook of the Baa-baas.

The black and white hordes are fresh from a 39-14 defeat against Ireland at Kingsholm on Tuesday. Ireland were Munsterless after last weekend's Heineken Cup final, but the tourists looked rudderless. Just five of those who were involved in that defeat by five tries to two five days ago make the starting line-up, although fly-half Stephen Larkham may have to make way for Saracens' Glen Jackson due to injury. Likewise, Queensland Reds back-rower David Croft might have to step in for the 6ft 5in Maama Molitika.

The Barbarians return to Twickenham where they confounded critics in December by beating World Champions South Africa 22-5. It was a momentous result, built on pinpoint passing and scything running, all orchestrated by Aussie fly-half Matt Giteau. Rugby fans will be hoping fellow Wallaby pivot Stephen Larkham can do a similar job, as will skipper Mark Regan, who once more leads out the famous club. Regan is joined in the pack by three others who featured in the chasing down of the Springboks five months ago, and Regan will be looking for leadership from World Cup finalist Justin Harrison, prop Federico Pucciariello and now former All Black Jerry Collins, who surprisingly announced his temporary international retirement this week.

Regan will also be looking for inspiration from fellow Red Rose rejects Andy Gomarsall and Iain Balshaw, especially since Balshaw notched a hat-trick in the 84-10 rout of Belgium last weekend in the tour game at the King Boudouin Stadium. And that could well be the key to this fixture. The Barbarians have been together for over a week now, and coach Dai Young will be hoping that the squad can gel sufficiently to create another upset. You can expect them to be around [2.8] come kick-off.

Andrew has named what looks, on paper, a wonderfully attacking backline with London Irish wing Topsy Ojo earning a well-deserved run out in an England jersey, with Harlequins Mike Brown and David Strettle chipping in to form a potent back-three. This kind of light-hearted encounter should also help ease Charlie Hodgson back on to the tiller of the national side, as he can often look like a startled accountant when under serious pressure in the international arena.

Where England may well have an advantage however is in the mobility of their pack. Gloucester's Luke Narraway and Harlequins' Will Skinner look far more mobile than Jerry Collins and the hulking Maama Molitika, which also goes for England's second row of Chris Jones and Nick Kennedy, when compared to Justin Harrison and Kris Chesney. When you consider the style the Barbarians will play, a mobile pack is a great foil. England, at [1.45], look decent value.

What's always fun with Baa-baas games is watching the points tick over. Betfair have a winning margin market, and we're in an unusual situation where England are trying to play a less confrontational, attacking game-plan than their visitors. That may bode well for those who get long of points and tries, as well as rugby fans keen on watching an exciting, free-flowing game. I can't see beyond England by more than 12 points though.