Bryan Habana scored three tries last time the All Blacks played the Barbarians in 2009. Photo: Getty ImagesNew Zealand Rugby's confirmed the long-rumoured game against the Barbarians to kick off the All Blacks end of year tour in early November. The match, which forms part of New Zealand Rugby's 125th anniversary celebrations, had been thrown into doubt by an attempt by England to play the All Blacks at Twickenham on the same date. But England's governing Rugby Football Union, which owns Twickenham, could not persuade their New Zealand counterparts to change course and the All Blacks will play the Barbarians, rugby union's most celebrated invitational side, instead. "Like the All Blacks, the Barbarians are part of rugby's rich history and the match later this year is a befitting way to mark our 125th anniversary.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 06, 2017 19:30 UTC