Injury to Hurricanes loose forward Ardie Savea prevented his selection. The Barbarians will be coached by Highlanders assistant coach Scott McLeod, along with Hawke’s Bay’s Craig Philpott and Auckland’s Paul Feeney.

“There’s a lot of new, emerging and exciting talent, and some who are currently in the All Blacks environment. Both Blake and Te Toiroa had outstanding campaigns for the New Zealand Under 20. It’s Barbarian tradition to have a young guy involved and we felt comfortable with these guys coming in for the two available slots,” said McLeod.

The Barbarians assemble as a full squad in Auckland on Tuesday and have planned a visit to the impressive Barbarians clubrooms at Eden Park to gain a feel for the club and the famous scarlet jersey which they will wear.

“We want the players to understand who they are representing and why, so they will check out the photos and memorabilia on the walls and talk to the club members. We want them to feel they are playing for something special and for them to own that performance,” McLeod said, adding that the side will adhere to the traditional Barbarians open rugby, but still with the ultimate aim of winning the clash. He is under no illusions as to how tough the Maori All Blacks will be, especially as they will be coming off an international against Fiji, to be played tomorrow in Suva.

Fans urged to see two great sides in action

“From the Barbarians’ point of view, it is great to have a fixture at Eden Park. That is where we are based. Both the Maori All Blacks and New Zealand Barbarians are renowned for enterprising rugby. They have always been crowd-pleasing matches, so get along there!” he said.

“One would think it will be a pseudo-All Blacks trial, particularly for some of the hopefuls who want to force their way into the squad. It’s a golden opportunity to show themselves in front of the selectors and the public that they have the wherewithal to make the team.”

Tickets for New Zealand Barbarians v Maori All Blacks match

Background on Barbarians

In 2014 the Barbarians played non-first class matches against the Blues and Highlanders. It is part of the club’s strategic plan to seek more meaningful, high profile games to augment their long-time goal of fostering grassroots and, in particular, schoolboy rugby. They sponsor the annual Top 4 national schools tournament and the New Zealand Area Schools side, along with the NZ Barbarians Schools side, as part of the NZ Schools programme.

Established in 1937, the Barbarians’ club membership is by invitation only. Current All Blacks who are Barbarians are Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu and Kieran Read.