Yesterday saw us travel down to Port Elizabeth after an early start with an official farewell from the Headmaster at Bryanston High. The boys seemed to enjoy their billeting experience and had many tales to tell. The hospitality of the school staff, students and parents was second to none.
We travelled to Jo'burg airport via Ellis Stadium - scene of the famous 438 one day cricket score. The bus driver was quick to remind us who won that match! Once in Port Elizabeth the boys had a rigorous training session on the beach right in front of our hotel, before a swim in the ocean. Dinner was at the beautiful beachside Boardwalk complex which the boys described as 'like Venice' - complete with fairy lights and canals. Today will be a rest day of sorts after an early morning training run with time to laze at the beach and go shopping!

View looking west from our hotel rooms in Port Elizabeth

    

In their opening South African encounter, the well drilled Barker team romped home 62-0 against Bryanston High. All 25 players had a run today, scoring 10 tries in a totally dominating performance. Man of the match, Dave Smerdon, scored two tries and three conversions before being benched for the second half. Captain, Jack Slack-Smith was a tower of strength up front. It was a great start to the tour.

1. Our resort in Jo'burg - now famous for its breakfast! 2. The boys outside the World Cup Soccer Stadium 3&4. Training for the game tomorrow at Bryanston High. Looks like it might be tough competition. All well and having fun.

Good morning and greetings from South Africa! We all arrived safely after a long flight and were quickly thrown into Jo'burg life with a two hour traffic jam to get to the hotel! It was an education, but a good time to chill on the bus as we wound down to our new time zone. A huge buffet dinner was on offer for us all and the boys certainly took advantage of it - only to be outdone by an even larger breakfast selection this morning. The lads have spent the morning in the gym and throwing a few balls around as they acclimatise. We are off to the Apartheid Museum this morning followed by a training session this afternoon. Photos to come!

Welcome

Welcome to the South African Rugby tour
3 days to take off
Briefing 8am Friday in the Library Lecture theatre
See you there

Welcome to the Barker South African Rugby tour blog.

Join us as we venture through South Africa for the next 18 days.