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Barbarians name 26-man squad: All Blacks Ben Franks, Julian Savea and Steven Luatua included

Monday 30 October 2017 17:00, UK

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 08: Julian Savea of the All Blacks makes a break during the Test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the British & I
Image: Julian Savea is one of the biggest names in a strong Barbarians squad

All Black trio Ben Franks, Steven Luatua and Julian Savea have been confirmed among the Barbarians squad which will take on New Zealand on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Action. 

Head coach 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 Saturday in wing Taqele Naiyaravoro and second-row Sam Carter.

London Irish and former New Zealand World Cup-winning prop Ben Franks
Image: Former All Black and London Irish prop Ben Franks is in the squad

Former Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss, Stormers flyhalf Robert du Preez and Gloucester's Ruan Ackermann make up the South African contingent.

New Zealand and London Irish prop Ben Franks
Image: Franks earned 47 caps and won two World Cup's with New Zealand

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 Championship success, while Richie Mo'unga scored 25 points as Canterbury claimed the Premiership Mitre 10 trophy, a points total which is a record in any domestic New Zealand final in history.

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Richie Mo'unga scored this incredible solo try on his way to helping Canterbury claim the Mitre 10 Premiership title

Robert du Preez also guided Western Province to their Currie Cup final victory on Saturday and was unlucky not to be named in the Springbok touring squad.

Three UK-based players have been picked in Ackermann, Franks and Luatua.

Also See:

Ruan Ackermann in action
Image: Ruan Ackermann is one of three UK-based players named in the 26-man squad

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.

Image: All Black and Bristol backrow Steven Luatua is another big name in the Baa-Baas squad

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).

Live International Rugby Union

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), Harold Vorster (Lions).

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