Rugby: Ranger makes World XV

Former Taniwha captain Rene Ranger has been named in the World XV, selected from European clubs, to take on South Africa on June 7. Photo/File

In two weeks former Taniwha Rene Ranger will again be able to say he's one of the best in the world - playing for the World XV.

The six-test All Black has been named in a squad for the World XV, featuring several fellow former All Blacks and top international players, which will face South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town on June 7.

Ranger's selection comes just over a month after he was named as part of the Barbarians to face England on June 1 - making for a busy week for the Wellsford man.

Ranger is joined in the World XV by former All Blacks including hooker Andrew Hore, halfback Jimmy Cowan, wings Sitiveni Sivivatu and Hosea Gear, and prop Carl Hayman.

Ranger will play alongside several well-known international rugby players for the World XV such as Australian Matt Giteau, Frenchman Aurelien Rougerie, and former Chiefs try-scoring prop Sona Taumololo.

The 23-man squad comprises players from New Zealand, France, Australia, Ireland, Samoa, Tonga, Georgia and South Africa.

Meanwhile, the World XV squad, which is made up of players based in Europe, carries with it 707 test caps and is to be coached by former Springboks coach Nick Mallett.

"I'm very happy that the final pieces of the jigsaw are now falling into place," Mallett told espnscrum.com.

"Despite the very short preparation time, I'm really looking forward to getting together with this group of very talented players and preparing them for this match.

"It promises to be a very exciting match, looking at the talent assembled in this strong squad. I'm sure they are all relishing the opportunity to play against the Springboks in South Africa.

"It's also a rare chance to see a World XV-style team playing in South Africa, and where better than the oldest test venue in the country?"

Ranger will be joined in the Barbarians side by Hayman, John Afoa, Ali Williams, Cowan, Gear and Sivivatu when the Barbarians take on England at Twickenham the week before.

The World XV match will signify the start of South Africa's international season under coach Heyneke Meyer - which will act as a warm-up before the Springboks face Wales in a two-test series.

World XV squad: Backs: James O'Connor (Australia), Drew Mitchell (Australia), Hosea Gear (NZ), Sitiveni Sivivatu (NZ), Aurelien Rougerie (France), Rene Ranger (NZ), Matt Giteau (Australia), Franois Trinh-Duc (France), Rory Kockott (South Africa), Jimmy Cowan (NZ).

Forwards: Steffon Armitage (England), Alexandre Lapandry (France), Roger Wilson (Ireland), Mamuka Gorgodze (Georgia), Alistair Hargreaves (South Africa), Joe Tekori (Samoa), Juandre Kruger (South Africa), Schalk Ferreira (South Africa), Sona Taumololo (Tonga), BJ Botha (South Africa), Carl Hayman (NZ), Schalk Brits (South Africa), Andrew Hore (NZ).