Jimmy Cowan (in cherry and white) in action against Harlequins
New Zealand scrum-half Jimmy Cowan is relishing the chance to beat England at Twickenham on Sunday.
Cowan lines-up for an experienced Barbarians team against what is effectively a third-string England XV full of youthful talent.
The 32-year-old has won 51 caps for the All Blacks but he will be playing in the famous black and white stripes on Sunday alongside players from nine nations.
“The Barbarians is a unique experience for me, because it’s something I’ve been longing to do,” he said.
“There are nine different nationalities, I’ve played with some of these boys in the past; it’s great to be back alongside them again.
“There’s so much tradition and heritage, and it’s up to us to uphold that, go out and put on a real show and wear the jersey with pride this weekend.
“Of course everyone wants to beat England at Twickenham!
“It’s great to have another chance to take on England at Twickenham, the home of rugby, and they have been pretty good of late.
“The first string might be out in New Zealand but there’s some good boys there who want to climb that ladder and push for higher honours. So it should be an interesting challenge.”
Cowan has just finished a two-year spell with Gloucester and he could come up against his Cherry and Whites team-mate Dan Robson – also a scrum-half – who is named on the England bench.
“It’s testament to what Dan has done in the last two years in the Gloucester jersey that he has moved onto England’s radar,” said Cowan.
“To see him within the England set-up now is fantastic: hopefully he can get on the field on Sunday and kick on from where he left off with Gloucester.
“He’s been quality and if he gets a chance hopefully he can make a big impact too.
“That’s a given that I’ll keep the young boy honest if he comes into the mix and I go against him!
Article source: http://www.espnscrum.com/barbarians/rugby/story/227075.html
Jimmy Cowan relishing Barbarians clash with England XV
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