Barbarians vs World XV: Predictions and Tips
Twickenham will end the 2022/23 season with a blockbuster clash between the World XV and the Barbarians for the Killik Cup, but in many ways, it will also be a tussle between two of the great coaches of the 21st century.
Australia’s Eddie Jones leads the World XV and the occasion marks his return to the London base of the England team he coached for seven years before his sacking in December.
But the New Zealander Steve Hansen will be no less motivated as he returns to the northern hemisphere where he led the Welsh national team for three years, a spell that ended badly before he rebuilt his reputation as head coach of the All Blacks.
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Barbarians vs World XV predictions
In theory, these end-of-season matches are designed to provide maximum entertainment for the crowd in the stadium and the viewers watching on television. The Barbarians are famous for their free-flowing style, particularly in the 1973 match against the All Blacks which is widely believed to have been among the greatest matches ever played.
The fact that, in this case, there are two invitational sides adds to the theory that this will be an open game because, with two squads of players who have had very little time to get to know one another, there is every chance that defence set-ups will be a little weaker than we normally see at the highest level.
But don’t overlook the impact of the coaches.
Eddie Jones is famously spiky and he hates losing. Moreover, although he has been saying the right things on his return to London this week, he will be desperate to make a point this week in front of a Twickenham crowd that made its dislike of his results with England very plain. Expect Jones to be desperate to win.
Hansen is a more laid back character than Jones but he still has an inner steel and a drive to win. Jones said of the match up of coaches: “It rekindles a great rivalry that first started in our days competing in Super Rugby and progressed to the international arena. It’ll be a great challenge and one we’re relishing.” Expect fun in a festival atmosphere but also expect two coaches who want to win.
Jones also said: “Going back to Twickenham, I’m more motivated than ever to put on a show.” And remember: his England team denied Hansen’s All Blacks in the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup. Jones might have the edge in this one.
Barbarians vs World XV tips
There are some exciting bets to be placed on Sunday’s encounter. Let’s take a look at three of the best bets you can place.
The Killik Cup
The Killik Cup is an annual match between the Barbarians and, usually, a national team or a team selected entirely from one nation - this is the first time a World XV has taken on the challenge. There have been 11 matches with the Barbarians winning four, and the opposition six and there was a draw in 2016. An average of 69 points are scored in each match and only one match didn’t witness at least 60 points (53 in 2017). Expect tries and points.
The teams: World XV
The Australian Israel Folau was a controversial pick and that could go two ways. Will he be cowed or will he be determined, like the coaches, to make a point? The key partnership could be at half back with the Aussie Nick Phipps at scrum half and Scotland’s Adam Hastings outside him.
The teams: Barbarians
Guess what? There’s another man with motivation - this time the Welshman and captain Alun Wyn Jones who announced his retirement from international rugby last week. Their half back combination brings together the Englishman Jack Maunder and the exciting Aussie Quade Cooper. A broken game would really suit the mercurial skills of Cooper.
How to watch Barbarians vs World XV
- Location: Twickenham Stadium, London
- Date and Time: May 28th, 14:00
- How to watch: Channel 5
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