Van der Merwe and Rae start against South Africa

Van der Merwe lines up on the wing in a star-studded Barbarians XV that also features former All Blacks vice-captain TJ Perenara – who captains the side – and Australian wing Andrew Kellaway.

Hooker Rae takes his place in the front row, while McConnell is included in a replacements bench that carries a strong South American flavour, featuring Los Pumas duo Lionel Oviedo and Pedro Delgado alongside Uruguay scrum-half Santiago Arata.

For van der Merwe, it’s a first appearance in the famous black and white jersey – and a particularly personal one, as he faces the country of his birth.

“I can’t wait to join up with the Barbarians this summer,” he said. “It is a massive honour and opportunity to represent them. It’s something I’ve always wanted to be part of, so to get this opportunity is massive.

“The Barbarians is a rugby institution and have some tough tests coming. To play for them against the world champions will be a massive challenge and one I’m really looking forward to.”

All three Edinburgh players have been selected in collaboration with the Scotland men’s national team, with the fixture offering crucial game time ahead of Scotland’s Nations Championship campaign.

Van der Merwe and Rae will return to join up with Townsend’s squad following Saturday’s game, while McConnell stays on for the Barbarians’ second tour fixture against Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday 27 June.