Harlequins' Nick Easter has expressed his desire for an entertaining game between England and the Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday (4.15pm).

The England number eight was reflecting on last year's 17-14 win over the Baa--Baas, when he captained the side.

"If that game proved one thing it showed what tough games these always are," he said.

"The BaaBaas do like to play rugby and to throw the ball about and that's an intrinsic part of their game and tradition.

"But they are also very proud players, very competitive and excellent at the breakdown and they will try and stop us playing.

"Last year was a bit messy and hopefully there will be more free-flowing rugby tomorrow from both teams."

The back row match-up between the two sides has been one of the talking points this week, with Easter Quins team-mate Chris Robshaw getting his first England start alongside the experienced Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers) and Easter.

The England trio will be up against French legend Serge Betsen (London Wasps), Jerry Collins (Toulon) and Heineken Cup winner Rocky Elsom (Leinster).

"I've played against Serge Betsen many times for club and country and he's always very tough," Easter said.

"Jerry Collins is a very big hitter in the tackle and Rocky has proved just how good he is again in the Heineken Cup.

"Chris and I played against Rocky in the Heineken Cup quarter-final and Chris said afterwards what a top player Rocky is - we are looking forward to facing all three of them on Saturday."

Easter also paid tribute to Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers) and Josh Lewsey (London Wasps) as they prepare to play their final professional rugby game in England when they line up for the Barbarians.

He said: "I remember when I was getting ready for my first England cap against Italy in 2007 and Martin gave me some of the best advice I have ever been given.

"I was a bag of nerves and he said 'Don't wait to see if you're good enough to handle the pace of this game, you are good enough so get in the game straightaway. If you weren't good enough you wouldn't be here'.

"It was a big help and I enjoyed my debut.

"Martin played in the back row during our RWC 2007 run to the final and he's always been a tough competitor and I'd rather play alongside him than against him.

"Josh has won everything there is to win in the game. Like Martin, Josh has always been a very tough competitor and I'm sure he will be very up for it against England tomorrow."

Tickets for England v Barbarians are available from the South Stand ticket office tomorrow priced at £25 for adults and £10 for U16s.

The County Shield Championship final between Hertfordshire and Cheshire kicks off at 10am and the Bill Beaumont Cup Final featuring Gloucester v Lancashire at noon.