England v Barbarians, Twickenham, May 29
New-look England eye Barbarians upset
ESPNscrum Staff
May 27, 2011
Luke Narraway spins a pass in training, England training session, Bath, England, May 23, 2011
Gloucester No.8 Luke Narraway will be one of those looking to further his Rugby World Cup claims © Getty Images
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England continue their preparations for this year's Rugby World Cup against the Barbarians in a non-cap clash at Twickenham on Sunday.

The two sides meet for the 11th time since their first clash at English rugby's HQ in 1990 - where the hosts claimed a narrow 18-16 victory. England, who traditionally field a largely experimental line-up, were also triumphant in their last meeting - a 35-26 win 12 months ago - but the Baa Baas have had their fair share of success in the fixture with five victories most recently in 2009 where they claimed a 33-26 win.

England - Player to Watch: Gloucester centre Henry Trinder has attracted plenty of praise this season but can he grab his England opportunity with both hands?

England - Team News: Five newcomers will pull on a senior England shirt for the first time against the Barbarians on Sunday. Trinder, Harlequins prop Joe Marler, Worcester lock Graham Kitchener, Exeter flanker Tom Johnson and Sale back-row forward Carl Fearns have all named in the starting line-up. Saracens-bound fly-half Charlie Hodgson will pull the strings while No.8 Luke Narraway will lead the side.

Barbarians - Player to Watch: As is often the case, the Barbarians boast a wealth of international talent and experience but all eyes will be on complete novice Willie Mason who is set for a high-profiles union bow off the bench.

Barbarians - Team News: Italy star Sergio Parisse leads the side with prop Davit Kubriashvili set to become the first Georgian to play for the world-famous select side. In the second-row, Erik Lund becomes the first Norwegian to wear the black and white hoops. Wallabies legend George Smith and former Springbok Joe van Niekerk are also present in the back-row, while ex-England wing Paul Sackey will be up against some familiar faces. He links up with Nicolas Jeanjean and Tim Visser in the back-three. French international Frederic Michalak is at fly-half, with Ulster's Ruan Pienaar wearing No.9.

Key Battle: If Narraway wanted the chance to prove himself against the best then he has got his wish in the form of the ever-influential Parisse. The game may not be as intense as a true Test encounter, but their confrontation could be telling all the same.

Trivia: The Barbarians can claim to have beaten the three southern hemisphere giants - Australia, New Zealand and South Africa - which is a feat that has so far eluded Scotland and Ireland

Stats: With the inclusion of Lund and Kubriashvili in the Barbarians' line-up, a total of 31 different nationalities have represented the team.

Quote Unquote:

"I've certainly jumped in the deep end in agreeing to play for the Barbarians without having any rugby experience. I'm way out of my comfort zone, but I just can't wait to get out there and do it." - Former rugby league star Willie Mason looks forward to his first taste of union.

"It is a young England side and the match day squad has an average age of 23, but these are players who've been in terrific form for their clubs and many of them have played a major part in big games at the end of the season in the Aviva Premiership and in Europe." - England coach Stuart Lancaster talks up his side's chances.

Prediction: The experimental nature of both line-ups will ensure both sides take time to find their feet before the lure of a World Cup lifeline inspires a hungry-to-impress England to victory over their more experienced rivals.

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