The All Blacks will mark their 125th anniversary with a mouth-watering clash against the Barbarians at Twickenham in November, New Zealand Rugby has announced.
The All Blacks, returning to the venue of their World Cup triumph in 2015, will face the iconic invitational side, famed for their attacking flair, for the first time since 2009 when a Bryan Habana hat-trick condemned them to a 25-18 defeat.
“We are delighted to announce the match against the Barbarians,” NZR CEO Steve Tew said in a statement.
“Like the All Blacks, the Barbarians are part of rugby’s rich history and the match later this year is a fitting way to mark our 125th anniversary.
“Playing the Barbarians is always a special occasion and we think our shared history makes this game the most appropriate way to mark our milestone.”
Barbarians President Micky Steele-Bodger added: “The Barbarians expect to bring together some of the world’s greatest players to take on the All Blacks and to play with the style and attacking flair that the club’s traditions demand.”
The Barbarians also face England on May 28 and Irish provincial side Ulster on June 1 before facing New Zealand on November 4.
The All Blacks host the British and Irish Lions for a three-match test series starting in June.
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
100+ points on offer for the AB's.
richard
Guest
Shades of 2009 when the poms stacked the BaaBaas with the dominant SA side + a few add ons while Ted kept his word and trialled a group of newbies.Enabled the BB's to win. Cue this year,it will be exactly the same.All the talk of the BB's representing some kind of entertaining,corinthian spirit is bunkum.The team will be stacked to try and lower NZ's colors. My guess is it will be the 2017 BIL's in BB colors ( esp. if they are successful in NZ).
Johnny Boy
Guest
With so many rep games on on the weekend was there anyone who didnt get a rep guernsey
taylorman
Guest
Yes they fill them with SH players these days. They even want us to play those games for them.
cuw
Guest
it is actually a waste of time. most clubs nowadays dont release players for these matches. i remember when FIJI played a similar match for some anniversary ( maybe 2015?) the clubs didn't even release the Fijians - let alone the babas !!!! but it will make a bucket (or even a truck) load of money , given the size of the stadium :)
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I just wish it was England.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Geez theyre playing a baabaas team in June, they dont need another in a different jersey.