British and Irish Lions

Lions fans will have another chance to take a closer look at the Springbok dangermen this autumn after six of next summer's likely squad agreed to play for the Barbarians at Wembley on December 3.

South Africa face England, Scotland and Wales during their November tour but a number of their star players appear keen to commit to another fixture before returning home.

World Cup winning coach Jake White has reportedly persuaded skipper John Smit, centre Jean de Villiers, scrum-half Fourie du Preez, back row Schalk Burger, lock Bakkies Botha and current IRB Player of the Year Bryan Habana to turn out for the Babaas against Australia.

Percy Montgomery, who faced the Lions in 1997 but has recently retired from international rugby, is also set to feature in the Olympic Centenary fixture.

All Blacks Richie McCaw, Jerry Collins and Joe Rokocoko will also be in action in what will be the first time White has coached a side since South Africa's World Cup success last October.

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.