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Martin Corry
Fond farewell: ex-skipper Martin Corry plays at Twickenham for the last time

Barbarians to test new English blood

Chris Jones
29 May 2009


Twickenham will witness a significant changing of the guard when England face a powerful Babarians side - and the fans had better be prepared for tears.

The Baabaas are led by ex-England captain Martin Corry and include London Wasps Josh Lewsey, with both men making their final appearance at the home of English rugby after glittering careers at Test and club level.

In total contrast, an England team missing its Lions players will feature four players making their first appearances at this level, including the impressive Harlequins duo of flanker Chris Robshaw and centre Jordan Turner-Hall along with Bath wing Matt Banahan and Northampton utility back Ben Foden.

While the Baabaas will aim to please the crowd with constant attacking ploys, Martin Johnson, the England team manager, is looking for a pragmatic approach, particularly with so many new faces on board, ahead of home and away matches against Argentina next month.

"If we start throwing the ball around and go backwards 50 yards, then I don't think people will find it entertaining;" he said.

"I watched the Barbarians against England last year and they didn't chuck it all over the place. They were very physical and hard over the ball, making it hard for England to play. We have to play with intensity or else we'll be smashed back in rucks and mauls and will lose ball."

England, who are not awarding caps, are led by Steve Borthwick and have old hands Jamie Noon, Andy Goode, Lewis Moody and Nick Easter on duty against a Baabaas side boasting 632 caps and seven former All Blacks.

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