Former All Blacks Ben Franks, Steven Luatua, Julian Savea and Andy Ellis have been confirmed among the Barbarians squad which will take on New Zealand on Sunday morning at Twickenham.
Former All Black Steven Luatua Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Head coach New Zealander Robbie Deans has selected 13 kiwis in his 26-man group, which also contains two of the Barbarians involved in the 31-28 defeat to the Wallabies last weekend in wing Taqele Naiyaravoro and lock Sam Carter.
The other New Zealanders are the Highlanders forwards Dillon Hunt and Luke Whitelock (who played one test for the All Blacks), the Chiefs Atu Moli, the Hurricanes wing Vince Aso, Crusaders backs George Bridge, Mitchell Drummond and Richie Mo'unga and Highlanders back Richard Buckman.
Three of the group were heavily involved in final victories over the weekend.
In New Zealand, Savea notched a hat-trick in Wellington's Mitre 10 Cup Championship success, while Richie Mo'unga scored 25 points as Canterbury claimed the Premiership trophy, a points total which is a record in any domestic New Zealand final in history.
Robert du Preez also guided Western Province to their Currie Cup final victory and was unlucky not to be named in the Springbok touring squad.
Three UK-based players have been picked in Ackermann, Franks and Luatua.
As well as facing the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday, the Baa-Baas will also face Tonga at Thomond Park in Limerick on Friday November 10.
-RNZ
