Burger relishes Baa-Baas debut

World player of the year Schalk Burger will round off a stunning season with his first appearance for a star-studded Barbarians side against New Zealand at Twickenham tomorrow.

The game has brought criticism for being a money-making venture – not helped by Graham Henry’s decision to name what is effectively a development All Blacks side – but over 55,000 tickets have been sold and for Burger it should prove the ideal way to sign off an impressive year’s work.

Virtually every Barbarians player asked was excited about the prospect of playing alongside a man South African coach Jake White claimed had changed the face of world rugby.

“Schalk’s emergence as a major force has meant a lot to South African rugby, but has also influenced world rugby,” said White after Burger had been honoured as the International Rugby Board’s top player of 2004.

Burger had already been voted player of the year in South Africa and by the International Rugby Players’ Association – quite some collection for a 22-year-old who only made his provincial debut with Western Province last year.

“It’s only my second year in professional rugby. Last year I went to the World Cup, the beginning of this (year) I was injured and came back in the Super 12. The next thing I know I was playing in the Tri-Nations,” said Burger, a permanent grin fixed to his face.

“It has been a bit of a surprise, but it has been a great surprise. This is a perfect way to end the season – a Barbarians game against the All Blacks. This is perfect.”

Burger played a vital role in South Africa winning the Tri-Nations, but his increased profile took a bit of a hammering on the Springboks’ mixed European tour.

He was sin-binned in consecutive matches, against Wales and Ireland, and given a public dressing down by White.

Burger was rested for the game against Scotland – “I had a great week in Edinburgh,” he laughed – and then asked to be excused this weekend’s Test against a below-strength Argentina to represent the Barbarians.

“I heard they were looking for me and I went up to my coach and said ‘please let me go’. Luckily he did and it’s unbelievable to be here,” he said.

“I have had a bit of everything over the last few weeks, a couple of yellow cards, a couple of awards and now a game for the Barbarians.

“Some of these guys are like my heroes so this is unbelievable. I have just been listening and learning. There is a perception back home that I am a senior player but I still have a lot to learn in my rugby career and a lot of matches to play.”