Sat 10 Oct 2007Barnes raring to goIf Berrick Barnes were English rather than Australian, the
chances are that instead of lining up in a World Cup quarter-final
this afternoon he would be preparing for a match in the Guinness
Premiership. The 21-year-old outhalf was regarded as a wildcard
selection in the Wallaby squad, having played only 22 matches for
the Queensland Reds since switching codes two years ago, but such
was the assurance he showed in his first Test start, against Wales
last month, that he gave the impression of being a seasoned
international.Barnes was not picked as a first choice and has received his
opportunity only because of the knee injury to the veteran Stephen
Larkham, but Australia have resisted any temptation to shield the
tyro and move Matt Giteau to number 10 in Marseille today. "Berrick
showed in Cardiff that he was perfect for this," said the
Wallabies' skills coach, Scott Johnson.