Is an all-All Blacks Barbarians side set to play the All Blacks at the end of the year?
With the Barbarians scheduled to play the All Blacks to open their end-of-year tour to celebrate their 125th anniversary, and so many former All Blacks being in Europe, it seems a foregone conclusion that the Barbarians side will be made up by New Zealanders.
But with an entire side of All Blacks? Now that we'd like to see.
Considering all the talent in Europe, here's the best Barbarians side possible.
1. Ben Franks
Crowning off his time in New Zealand with a second Rugby World Cup in 2015, Ben Franks cashed in on his form with Super Rugby's runners-up, heading to London Irish. Known for his very good scrummaging skills, Franks was a key part of both Rugby World Cup-winning teams.
2. Corey Flynn
For someone who's been around a long time, the fact he made just 15 appearances for the All Blacks seems criminal. The ever reliable Flynn headed to Toulouse in 2014 but signed for Glasgow Warriors in 2016.
3. John Afoa
One of the most underrated scrummagers in New Zealand rugby, Afoa was unlucky to fall behind the Franks brothers and Tony Woodcock in the pecking order. Making the move north in 2014, Afoa has become a permanent fixture in the Gloucester pack.
4. Jeremy Thrush
A player that perhaps went to Europe a little too early, Thrush never reached his full potential in New Zealand Rugby, making his All Blacks debut in 2013 and leaving at the conclusion of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
5. Jason Eaton
One of the more likeable players in New Zealand Rugby, Eaton had a brief stint in Japan before heading to La Rochelle in the south of France where he's now captain. Was an outstanding lineout jumper and one of the first forwards picked in this Barbarians side.
6. Steven Luatua
Will unlikely be in the All Blacks on their end-of-year tour, so selection with the Barbarians is possible. Joins strugglers Bristol and may reconsider with the side facing almost certain relegation from England's top tier.
7. Victor Vito
Another player to fall under the 'left too early' category, Vito was in and out of the side, at times, struggling for his physicality. However heading to La Rochelle, Vito is arguably playing some of the best rugby of his career.
8. Chris Masoe
Time stands still for no one, except for Chris Masoe. Playing with Dan Carter and Joe Rokocoko at Racing 92, Masoe has made a huge impact in the Top 14 with his typically barnstorming back row play.
9. Brendon Leonard
Playing at Ospreys via a short stint in Italy, Leonard's quick base pass saw him into the black jersey. In and out of the All Blacks side, Leonard was never first choice, with Piri Weepu the incumbent.
10. Dan Carter
Who else? Moving to France after his 2015 Rugby World Cup heroics, Carter is still the best tactical kicker in the game. It would be fascinating to see him come up against the All Blacks.
11. Joe Rokocoko
Another player who defies time, Rokocoko has almost spent as much time in France's Top 14 league as he did in Super Rugby. Forming a key partnership with Carter at Racing, Rokocoko's sheer pace still sees him as one of the more devastating wingers in France.
12. Ma'a Nonu
Hasn't been as effective at Toulon as he was in New Zealand, Nonu is the complete second five and it'd be great to see him face an All Blacks side to see whether he could still match it. A blockbusting runner and great with ball in hand, Carter and Nonu make the ultimate combination.
13. Conrad Smith
He might be over 35 now but there's no denying the old dog still has life in him. One of the best defensive readers in world rugby, Smith made the move to Pau in 2015 to join the likes of Colin Slade and Tom Taylor.
14. Hosea Gear
Gear is another case of a player that was there or thereabouts but failed to really crack the All Blacks line-up for an extended amount of time. Was destructive with ball in hand and really changed his game to suit the changing tactics ie; high ball.
15. Charles Piutau
Piutau is tearing up for Ulster in the Pro12 after making the surprise move to Europe in 2015, despite being on the All Blacks' selectors' hit-list. His ability to take the high ball as well as his explosiveness sets him apart from the rest.
Coach: Aaron Mauger
Reserves:
16. John Schwalger 17. Neemia Tialata 18. Aled De Malmanche, 19. Tom Donnelly 20. Tanerau Latimer 21. Piri Weepu 22. Colin Slade 23. Isaia Toeava
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