Jamie Roberts is relishing playing alongside six Springboks when the Barbarians face New Zealand this weekend, just months after he starred for the British and Irish Lions against South Africa.
Even though the Lions lost a three-Test series with the world champions 2-1, Wales centre Roberts shone for the tourists in the opening two internationals with a series of powerful midfield runs.
Having gone up against the likes of Victor Matfield, who captains the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday, Bryan Habana and Schalk Burger, Roberts now finds himself on the same side as the South Africa stars.
"There has been a bit of banter flying around with the South African lads," the 23-year-old Roberts said Friday.
"It's a completely surreal experience to meet these boys, but we're all in it for the same reasons," explained Cardiff back Roberts, for whom the last European season represented a breakthrough campaign as he gained Lions selection on the back of just 12 appearances for Wales.
"We're all rugby players and we all want to succeed tomorrow (Saturday). It's a great environment to be in."
Although the Barbarians, founded in 1890, have no ground of their own, the invitational side's administrative headquarters have always been in Britain.
Traditionally, the bulk of their teams were drawn from the four Home Nations of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
But the Barbarians' line-up has become increasingly cosmopolitan over the years and the advent of professional rugby union has meant many leading clubs in Britain and Ireland are now increasingly reluctant to release players for this fixture, as they are obliged to for full internationals.
Consequently, Roberts is the only Home Nations representative this weekend in a Barbarian starting XV that features seven South Africans, including uncapped prop WP Nel, four Australians, two Italians and an All Black in wing Joe Rokocoko.
"The Barbarians are steeped in history and tradition and it's a great invitational team. Long may it live," said Roberts.
"It's probably getting tougher and tougher each year as the game gets more professional, but it's an absolute honour and privilege to be involved.
"The crowd are there to be entertained and hopefully we can do that."
Copyright 2009 AFP Global Edition
