Retiring England winger Josh Lewsey says teaming with the Barbarians has been a refreshing reminder of why he first picked up a rugby ball 28 years ago.

Lewsey, 32, will play his final international on Saturday night when he lines up for the Baa Baas on the wing against the Wallabies at the Sydney Football Stadium.

The Barbarians had a light final training run which lasted about 20 minutes on Friday in a park under the Harbour Bridge in the Rocks.

The 2003 World Cup winning winger says his time with the Barbarians, especially in Sydney this week, has been a chance to relax in the company of his acclaimed international teammates.

"Some of the elements and qualities in a sport like rugby hold in certain aspects like fun, enjoyment, companionship, (which) can sometimes be forgotten or misplaced in the professional era with all of the pressures," Lewsey said.

"This has just been such a fun way of enjoying something and a reminder why we started playing in the first place."

Despite the relaxed attitude of the players in the lead up to Saturday night's clash, Lewsey said the Barbarians would switch on when it mattered.

The Phil Waugh led-side boast the services of Rocky Elsom, who is under an injury cloud, Chris Whitaker, David Lyons and a host of former All Blacks including Chris Jack, Jerry Collins and Luke McCallister.

"Of course you play to win and of course the calibre with the characters involved you don't go into international matches without doing your best," the 58-Test veteran said.

"But married with that is a decent dose of fun and enjoyment.

"Obviously last week's (win over England) was very pleasing, I hope tomorrow's spectacle lives up to it.

"We know we'll probably get a much harder game than we did last week."

Lewsey said he has plans to climb Mount Everest in the coming year and settle into a "proper job" with PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

"I'm going to do things that I've never had the opportunity to do, I've played professional rugby since I was 18," he said.

"I see all of the backpackers in this city who travel the world and do things that you want to do, so along with that I'll have a transitional year in taking on something (Everest) that I've always wanted to do.

"Rugby's been my home really, I've been playing it since I was four years old.

"It's quite sad sometimes, I just wander up to the common where I live and throw the ball around with random guys just because I love playing the game.

"In terms of the aspects of professional rugby I'm ready for the next challenge in my life."

Barbarians drawcard Rocky Elsom's participation in Saturday night's historic clash will be decided on match-day morning after the flanker suffered a knee twinge.

Elsom played only a limited part in the Baa Baas' relaxed final training session under the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Friday as he nursed the sore left knee.

Released Wallabies squad member Phil Waugh will captain the Barbarians while former Test player Chris Whitaker is also in the side.

Elsom is likely to return to the Australian squad next week after re-signing with the Australian Rugby Union and the Brumbies on Wednesday.

Another former Wallaby, David Lyons, has been called into the Baa Baas side and will replace Elsom at No.8 in the Sydney Football Stadium clash if needed.

Lyons had returned to Sydney for a holiday after a season with Welsh side Llanelli before receiving the call-up.

"I think it's hard to say at this stage (whether I'll play)," Lyons said.

"(Rocky) has a bit of a niggle and it's pulled up a bit sore, so they'll have a look at it tomorrow and have a better idea."

But 44-Test veteran Lyon, who has been injury-free this season for the first time in years, has no doubt he'll be ready.

"It's only been two-and-a-half weeks since I've played after playing a long season ... it's not too long between drinks," he said.

"I think that's the beauty of a Barbarians team, there's never too many calls or too many plays, it's all off-the-cuff so coming in late if I do play it won't be too bad."

In 10 clashes between the sides since 1948, Australia have won seven.

Teams

Australia: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Lachie Turner, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Richard Brown, George Smith, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Res: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Alexander, Dean Mumm, David Pocock, Josh Valentine, Quade Cooper, James O'Connor.

Barbarians: Geordan Murphy (IRE), Iain Balshaw (ENG), Sonny Bill Williams (NZL), Seilala Mapusua (SAM), Josh Lewsey (ENG), Luke McAlister (NZL), Chris Whitaker (AUS), Rocky Elsom (AUS) or David Lyons (AUS), Phil Waugh (AUS, capt), Jerry Collins (NZL), Paul Tito (NZL), Chris Jack (NZL), BJ Botha (RSA), Sebastien Bruno (FRA), Clarke Dermody (NZL). Res: Schalk Brits (RSA), Greg Somerville (NZL), Martin Corry (ENG), Serge Betsen (FRA), Justin Marshall (NZL), Glen Jackson (NZL), Ben Blair (NZL).

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP