30 May 2013

4 NZers in Baabaas team to take on Lions

6:00 am on 30 May 2013

Four New Zealanders have been named in the Barbarians side to take on the British and Irish Lions in Hong Kong this weekend.

Fullback Jared Payne, wing Joe Rokocoko, centre Casey Laulala and first-five Nick Evans will all start in the Lions last match before they arrive in Australia.

Barbarians coach Dai Young has named the Italian number eight Sergio Parisse as his captain.

Young has looked to beef up the side who lost 40-12 to England at the weekend with the inclusion of Parisse, fellow Italian stalwart and tighthead prop Martin Castrogiovanni, and All Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko in the starting team.

The combined British and Irish team are opening their 10-match tour in Hong Kong before flying to Australia, where they will face the Wallabies in three Tests in Brisbane on June 22, Melbourne on June 29 and Sydney on July 6.