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Three Welshmen to face the Lions

Three Welshmen to face the Lions

Paul James will face the might of the British & Irish Lions after being selected by the Barbarians.

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The 2013 RBS 6 Nations winner is the only Welshman in the starting XV to face Warren Gatland’s tourists in Hong Kong on Saturday.

The Bath loose-head could pack down opposite former Ospreys teammates Adam Jones and Richard Hibbard in the clash.

Fellow Welsh internationals James Hook and Duncan Jones have also been selected among the replacements.

Sergio Parisse comes in to captain the Baa-Baas following their 40-12 defeat against England last Saturday.

He is joined by fellow reinforcements Martin Castrogiovanni and former All Blacks wing Joe Rokocoko

The Baa-Baas have broke with tradition by implementing a self-imposed booze-ban following the heavy defeat to England.

“The players have put a ban on themselves really,” explained team manager and Welsh great Derek Quinnell.

“We went out last night for an hour and I think they were under the impression that a few pints would be sunk, but about 90% of the players were drinking Coke.”

“They know that last weekend wasn’t good enough and it was a kick up the backside for us.

“They are more focused this week and the players know that if they don’t look after their bodies in this sort of heat, they’ve got a problem coming. Fair play to them, they have reacted well to that.”

Barbarians team to face Lions on Saturday:

J Payne; J Rokocoko, E Daly, C Laulala, T Ngwenya; N Evans, D Yachvili; P James, S Brits, M Castrogiovanni, M Wentzel, D Mumm, S Manoa, S Parisse (capt), S Jones.

Replacements: D Jones, L Ghiraldini, J Hamilton, I Harinordoquy, A Lo Cicero, K Fotuali’i, J Hook, M Tindall.

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