The Barbarians squad that will play the All Blacks in England this weekend has been named this morning - with six former All Blacks among 13 Kiwi players named in the side which is also coached by a New Zealand duo.
Robbie Deans and Scott Robertson have unveiled the New Zealand-dominant line up after leading UK and French players were not released by their clubs for the fixture which sits outside the Test match window.
While players such as Richie Mo'unga, Julian Savea and Andy Ellis were already confirmed for the match, more Kiwis have appeared in the squad this morning, including Canterbury's Luke Whitelock and George Bridge, Hurricanes winger Vince Aso and Highlanders utility Richard Buckman.
Former All Black Steven Luatua also features in the squad, having recently moved to the UK to play for Bath.
The young winger says the game is a challenge the All Blacks are really looking forward to.
All Blacks winger Ioane told 1 NEWS the All Blacks are looking forward to Sunday morning's game at Twickenham but they expect it to be a tiring, bruising affair.
"The style of footy that they play is razzle, running rugby," he said.
"It should be a game that's fun to be a part of but then again it's always hard to play those sides because it's only the one-off off game.
"The running rugby that they play with is second to none."
Only nine players in the squad have international rugby caps.
The All Blacks play the Barbarians at 2:30am NZT this Sunday.
BARBARIANS SQUAD:
Forwards: Ruan Ackermann (Gloucester), Dominic Bird (Chiefs & New Zealand), Willie Britz (Sunwolves), Sam Carter (Brumbies & Australia), Simone Favaro (Fiamme Oro), Ben Franks (London Irish & New Zealand), Dillon Hunt (Highlanders), Steven Luatua (Bristol & New Zealand), Atu Moli (Chiefs), Kwagga Smith (Lions), Ruan Smith (Toyota Verblitz), Adriaan Strauss (Bulls & South Africa), Akker van der Merwe (Sharks), Jacques van Rooyen (Lions), Luke Whitelock (Highlanders & New Zealand)
Backs: Vince Aso (Hurricanes), George Bridge (Crusaders), Richard Buckman (Highlanders), Mitchell Drummond (Crusaders), Robert du Preez (Stormers), Andy Ellis (Kobelco Steelers & New Zealand), Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders), Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs & Australia), Julian Savea (Hurricanes & New Zealand), Nic Stirzaker (Rebels)
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