Barbarians v New Zealand Rugby Match Preview

There is one final assignment this calendar year for New Zealand - and an exhibition victory over the Barbarians would be the ideal way to see off 2009.

Following an unbeaten end-of-season tour which saw them beat the likes of Wales, England and France quite comfortably, the improving Kiwis finished on top of the IRB World Rankings table and with plenty to draw upon as 2011 looms.

Despite playing second-fiddle to South Africa in the recent Tri-Nations, many would argue that the early absence of talismatic ten Daniel Carter ultimately cost them. But there is little point in reflecting, as it is now all about looking forward for coach Graham Henry as he sends out his second team at Twickenham.

So what do they face this Saturday?

Well the All Blacks will come up against a very strong Baa-baas outfit, coached by Italy’s South African-born boss Nick Mallett.

Speaking of which, there is a hefty Springbok feel to the black and whites, with Schalk Burger and Fourie du Preez just two of nine names on show alongside the likes of Rocky Elsom, Matt Giteau, Jamie Roberts and All Black Joe Rokocoko.

It is expected all that talent must surely be capable of crossing New Zealand’s iron-clad whitewash after a November when no one could do so. And Mallett has challenged his superstar line-up to finally break the seal at the home of English rugby.

“The All Blacks haven’t had a try scored against them on tour, so that is the challenge that awaits us,” he said.

“We have such good attacking players that if we can get enough ball, we will be dangerous.”

For Barbarians: Surely it has to be point-proving time for Joe Rokocoko? Having been left out of the touring squad for one reason or another, ‘Big Joe’ comes up against his countrymen at HQ and will be wanting a big performance against Zac Guildford. Expect him to thrive outside the service of Matt Giteau, Jamie Roberts and Jaque Fourie in what should be a strong personal effort.

For New Zealand: Luke McAlister and Rodney So’oialo have been given chances to prove their worth ahead of Ma’a Nonu and Kieran Read. But it’s at full-back where we will be watching as Cory Jane - pushed to wing over recent weeks and quite rightly so due to Mils Muliaina’s strong form - starts in his favoured position. Great under the high ball and a threat in broken play, New Zealand now possess real depth at 15 with Colin Slade still waiting back home.

Head-to-head: Power will certainly be on show in midfield as Jamie Roberts and Luke McAlister collide. The Welshman has arguably been the standout number twelve in world rugby this year alongside Jean de Villiers and Ma’a Nonu, with his Lions effort enhancing his reputation. Meanwhile, McAlister will be eager to get back to his 2007 form and what better way than bringing in the New Year with a good showing in front of Graham Henry.

Prediction: New Zealand are still pretty strong but from the back-row out to the three-quarters, Mallett’s group look a cut above. Barbarians to come good by 14!

The teams:

Barbarians: 15 Drew Mitchell, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 George Smith, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Victor Matfield (capt), 4 Carlo del Fava, 3 W P Nel, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Quintin Geldenhuys, 19 Andy Powell, 20 Will Genia, 21 Morne Steyn, 22 Leigh Halfpenny.

New Zealand: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Rodney So’oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Jason Eaton, 3 John Afoa, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Adam Thomson, 19 Tanerau Latimer, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Sitiveni Sivivatu. (source)