Lions Tour: Goodhue, Matich named in Provincial Barbarians side to face Lions

Northland lock Josh Goodhue will start for the NZ Provincial Barbarians against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday night. Here he is with Kamo Intermediate students. Photo/John Stone

Respect is what the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians are after in their clash with the British and Irish Lions.

Coach Clayton McMillan has named the line-up he hopes can push the Lions at Toll Stadium, and it includes Northlanders Josh Goodhue (starting at lock) and flanker Matt Matich (on the reserves bench).

McMillan recognises the battle ahead of him.

"Obviously we've had our challenges in the side," he said.

"We've gone with a line-up giving us a bit of size and then a bench that can give us a bit of pop.

"We've got through the hard part of the week now. I'll be satisfied if the boys complete the goals they set themselves and do the Barbarians jersey proud.

"The Lions are the big dogs and, if we can come out with a bit of respect, that's the main thing."

Goodhue said getting to play the Lions was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"The fact I am playing at home adds more excitement to the occasion. It's the first time I am playing in front of such a big crowd. It's pretty surreal. The adrenalin is pumping but I'll try and stay calm."

Goodhue said his side would have to play with a bit of flair and innovation if they are to be in with a chance of winning.

"We only had a week to prepare, they had four years so, for us, we just have to rely on our strength like broken play and to keep the ball alive.

"The European teams are quite structured and fresh off the plane and quite tired, we'll be in with a chance if we show up. We're looking at getting a win.

"They're a great team but we're a good side as well. We think we can cause an upset."

McMillan named a powerful forward pack and complemented it with an exciting backline capable of playing with the flair associated with the Barbarians' jersey.

The experience of Waikato second five Dwayne Sweeney will complement the youth of first five Bryn Gatland.

Sweeney will partner Gatland in the inside backs in what is a partnership years in the making.

"I've known Bryn since he was about 10 years old. He used to come down to Waikato training. I was the one to teach him how to kick," Sweeney said.

"He's really matured in the last year with his footy. We've seen him perform for the Blues. I know from past experiences that when you're in and out of a team at that level, it's hard to perform but the fact he's been able to do that holds him in good stead for Saturday night.

"He's used to being pulled up. He's previously been pulled up from club rugby to the Blues and then from that to play the Lions so it's a similar transition."

Sweeney is the self-confessed veteran of the side and recognises the role he will play in the Barbarians outfit.

The match kicks off at 7.35pm at Toll Stadium on Saturday night. Less than 1000 tickets remain available.

How they line up:

Provincial Barbarians: Luteru Laulala, Sam Vaka, Inga Finau, Dwayne Sweeney, Sevu Reece, Bryn Gatland, Jack Stratton, Mitchell Dunshea, Lachlan Boshier, Keepa Mewett, Josh Goodhue, Oliver Jager, Sam Anderson-Heather (c), Aidan Ross.
Reserves: Andrew Makalio, Tolu Fahamokioa, Marcel Renata, Matt Matich, Peter Rowe (vc), Richard Judd, Jonah Lowe, Junior Ngaluafe.

British & Irish Lions: Stuart Hogg, Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph , Ben Te'o, Tommy Seymour, Johnny Sexton, Greig Laidlaw, Joe Marler, Rory Best, Kyle Sinckler, Alun Wyn Jones, Iain Henderson, Ross Moriarty, Sam Warburton, Taulupe Faletau.
Reserves: Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, Tadhg Furlong, George Kruis, Justin Tipuric, Rhys Webb, Owen Farrell, Jared Payne.