Damian McKenzie is excited about the Stoop atmosphere ahead of Harlequins playing the Barbarians

By Joe Acklam

17th Nov 2022 | Rugby


"We will go out there, play some good rugby and try to put on a bit of a show for the crowd."- Damian McKenzie. Photo: Ian Wilson.
"We will go out there, play some good rugby and try to put on a bit of a show for the crowd."- Damian McKenzie. Photo: Ian Wilson.

Damian McKenzie is looking forward to experiencing the Stoop's atmosphere when the Barbarians take on Harlequins on Thursday evening. 

In a special exhibition game Barbarians are playing Quins as part of their UK tour, having played against New Zealand at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Sunday and will play Bath Rugby at the Rec on Sunday. 

40-cap All Blacks fly half McKenzie was speaking ahead of the game against Harlequins and said he expects the atmosphere at the Stoop to top that at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

Speaking to Harlequins, he said: "It has been a good couple of days, getting to know a few lads that I have never played rugby with or against. 

"We have been on the training ground going through a few things, and I am just excited to get out here tomorrow, it is a great crowd and I am looking forward to a great atmosphere. 

"We have great players who we will just let do their thing and have some fun, Baabaas like to put something different out there so I am sure we will have something like that up our sleeves. 

"We will go out there, play some good rugby and try to put on a bit of a show for the crowd. 

"The stadiums over here are nice and intimate and close to the pitch, which creates a really good atmosphere, so I am really excited to play here. 

"I think it is nearly sold out, which is great, and I played in Ireland the other week, which was a great crowd, and Tottenham was a great crowd, and I am sure this one will be as good if not better." 

Tabai Matson said that Harlequins intend upon fielding a strong side, even with the Premiership Cup match against Sale Sharks the following day. 

Speaking to club media, he said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Baabaas to The Stoop. 

"I think if you talk about the great entertainers of the sport, the Barbarians are right at the top end of that list.  

"First of all, it's a huge privilege for the Club to be able to host such a prestigious side, but it's also a fantastic challenge for us as a team.  

"We will be going at this with a strong Harlequins team on a weekend that also sees our current Premiership Cup squad travel to Sale. 

"We know that they are bringing an incredibly strong team too and so this promises to be an outstanding match and a real test for our players. 

"I'm sure this will be an enthralling encounter and hope the Stoop faithful enjoy a bumper evening under the Thursday Night Lights." 

The Barbarians squad for the match has been confirmed as being: Abraham Papalii, Cathal Forde, Damian McKenzie, Dan Robson, Elliott Stooke, Francois Hougaard, Gabriel Oghre, Gareth Simpson, Graham Kitchener, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Iacopo Bianchi, Ignacio Mendy, Jacopo Trulla, John Ryan, Kieron Brookes, Kiran McDonald, Levi Aumua, Luther Burrell, Marland Yarde, Mike Brown, Murray McCallum, Olly Robinson, Rhyno Smith, Scott Scrafton, Stuart McInally, Tom Daly. 

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