-
Zac Guildford - Source: Photosport -
Related
The All Blacks have only lost once to the Barbarians FC in nine encounters, however, this Sunday don't be surprised if the famous black and white hoops make it twice, writes tvnz.co.nz's Chris Matthews.
The All Blacks' second stringers should be under no illusion when they come up against the Baa-Baas in the last match of the end of year tour on Sunday.
The core of the team that will run out at Twickenham have been quietly biding their time, having had just one hit-out in six weeks and, indeed, it is a chance for them to prove they can foot it with the best.
But this is no ordinary Barbarians team.
Unlike the side that got touched up by the Wallabies 55-6 in Sydney, they are not a bunch of has-beens.
The Sydney Baa-Baas were talked up as a threat but resembled a disorganised circus when they hit the field.
The northern players were unfit and underdone, Justin Marshall and Jerry Collins proved once and for all that their best days were behind them, Luke McAlister looked about as rusty as he appears now, while their biggest lure, Sonny Bill Williams, showed some nice touches but still looked completely out of his depth.
That squad totalled 775 Test caps. This Baa-Baas squad has 847, but the main difference is that the current invitational side presents some of the best players in the world that will comfortably dwarf their opposition in experience in the high intensity cauldron of international rugby.
All Black prop Wyatt Crockett, still licking his wounds after being dominated in Milan, is likely to come up against a full Springboks front row.
Anthony Boric and Jason Eaton will encounter the undisputed line-out king and Barbarians captain, the 86-Test Springbok Victor Matfield.
The handy New Zealand loose trio of Rodney So'oialo, Liam Messam and Tanerau Latimer will be truly tested by George Smith at No 8, his Wallabies teammate Rocky Elsom at No 6 and Springbok Schalk Burger on the openside of an all star loose trio.
Brendon Leonard will go head-to-head with the world's best halfback in Fourie du Preez, and if he gets tired coach Nick Mallet can chuck rising star Will Geinia into the mix. Meanwhile one Test All Black Mike Delany will duel with Earth's second best first five, Matt Giteau.
The midfield is one of the only areas that looks evenly matched, with two of Tamati Ellison, Luke McAlister and Stephen Donald facing off against experienced South African centre Jaque Fourie and Welshman Jamie Roberts.
The new-aged, multi-skilled wingmen in Zac Guildford and Ben Smith will have to tackle flat out pace and power in Bryan Habana and Joe Rokocoko, while in possibly the All Blacks' only starting advantage, the impressive Cory Jane will duel with young Wallaby Drew Mitchell.
The All Blacks will have an edge on the bench, where they will be able to call on their two trump cards, Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, if necessary but should Gitieau flounder the Baabaas can always chuck in Morne Steyn to counter.
And don't underestimate the Baa-Baas' motivation either.
They may be on the lash before the match, as all Barbarians sides are, and their mantra of attacking thrills for entertainment's sake will remain, but come match day the core of the side will be out to win and for very good reasons.
The eight-strong Springboks contingent are coming off a disappointing Northern tour where they have dropped Tests to both France and Ireland and will want to end what still is a very good 2009 for them on a high.
The five influential Wallabies are still licking their wounds from being 0-4 against the All Blacks this year and need to prove to themselves they can beat a New Zealand side, albeit a second string one.
While finally, Rokocoko is no doubt taking a calculated risk playing in this match but if he can outclass Guildford on the wing it will be a stern reminder to the All Blacks' wisemen that Joe ain't finished yet.
Possible All Blacks XV: Cory Jane (11), Zac Guildford (2), Luke McAlister (29), Stephen Donald (18), Ben Smith (1), Mike Delany (1), Brendon Leonard (12), Rodney So'oialo (62), Liam Messam (3), Tanerau Latimer (5), Anthony Boric (13), Jason Eaton (15), John Afoa (24), Corey Flynn (12), Wyatt Crocket (3).
Starting Test Caps: 223
Possible Barbarians XV: Drew Mitchell (25), Bryan Habana (56), Jaque Fourie (51), Jamie Roberts (17), Joe Rokocoko (60), Matt Giteau (72), Fourie du Preez (43),, George Smith (110), Schalk Burger (50), Rocky Elsom (44), Danie Rossouw (46) , Victor Matfield (86), WP Nel (0), Bismarck du Plessis (30), Tendai Mtawarira (15)
Reserves: Stephen Moore (26), Salvatore Perugini (47) , Carlo Del Fava (39), Andy Powell (12), Will Genia (4), Morne Styen (8), Leigh Halfpenny (10)
Starting Test caps: 663
Total squad Test caps: 847
