NO British half back embodies the spirit of Barbarians rugby more completely than Robert Howley, the Cardiff number nine, who has done so much to breathe fresh life into the Welsh game this year.

Howley, who turns out for the invitation side in today's international against Australia at Twickenham, brings qualities of freshness and exuberance to every match.

International rugby has come relatively late to Howley. He was 25 when he made his debut for Wales against England at Twickenham last February. But the advantage Howley enjoys over his test rivals is a degree of maturity and self confidence that allows him to take options with justifiable authority.

Positive movement represents the heart and soul of Howley's versatile game which is geared to getting across the gain line at the earliest opportunity. The Barbarians have enlisted him to make the fast, direct breaks from behind scrums and rucks for which he has become celebrated.

He has the habit of checking a pass or switching direction at the last possible moment, wrong footing defenders and frequently taking advantage of their hesitation with a scorching break down the blind side.

Like his fellow Barbarians, Howley has been chosen for his temperament during the "big game", as well as his technical skills. That temperament is certain to be crucial against the unbeaten Wallabies. It remains to be seen, though, whether the tourists cast aside pragmatism in favour of an all out running game.

Twickenham will also provide a fitting stage on which David Campese, who has scored 64 tries in 101 Tests, can play his last representative game in Britain. One senses that the great man still has one final showcase performance to offer his many British fans. If Campo upstages Howley and the Babas, no one will be complaining.