Ellis leads Kiwi-heavy Baabaas at Wembley

Andy Ellis will lead the Barbarians on Sunday morning. Photo / Dave Lintott Photosport

New Zealand players dominate the Barbarians who face a scratch South African team at Wembley on Sunday, with veteran Crusader Andy Ellis leading the side.

Ellis will be joined by another former All Black Luke Whitelock (Highlanders) and current test centre candidate Seta Tamanivalu who has left the Chiefs for the Crusaders.

The team includes outside back Melani Nanai (Blues), wing Matt Faddes (Highlanders), utility back Richard Buckman (Highlanders), flanker Jordan Taufua (Crusaders) and forwards Reg Goodes - who was born in South Africa - Michael Fatialofa and Brad Shields (Hurricanes).

First five eighth Richard Mo'unga (Crusaders) is on the reserves bench.

South Africa will field a weakened side, with the game being a non-test. Pat Lambie - two tests into a return following a long concussion break - will lead South Africa in an audition to replace the retiring skipper Adriaan Strauss. Springboks coach Allister Coetzee is expected to name a team with up to a dozen uncapped players.

South Africa are preparing for tests against England, Italy and Wales.

BARBARIANS: Melani Nanai, Matt Faddes, Seta Tamanivalu, Richard Buckman, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Robert du Preez, Andy Ellis (captain), Luke Whitelock, Jordan Taufua, Brad Shields, Michael Fatialofa, Martin Muller, Paddy Ryan, Akker van der Merwe, Reggie Goodes. Reserves: Andrew Ready, Schalk van der Merwe, Toby Smith, Sam Carter, Ruan Ackermann, Nic Stirzaker, Richie Mo'unga,