The British-based invitation-only club, known for its free-spirited style, contained no fewer than 11 South Africans in their starting XV, including an imposing front row headlined by two-time Springboks Rugby World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi.
Hooker Mbonambi was joined by hefty props Oli Kebble (12 Tests for Scotland) and Asenathi Ntlabakanye (2 Tests for South Africa), and together they proved the antithesis of the typically expansive Barbarians aesthetic, bullying their way to a sizeable lead with imperious scrums, rumbling mauls and robust power.
Ntlabakanye and Mbonambi each smashed over for tries in between a lineout surge finished by No.8 Evan Ross, and it was 19-0 after 26 minutes.
Crucially, the All Blacks XV soon wrestled back some momentum on the back of the Barbarians' indiscipline. In the 39th minute, a centrefield scrum saw Devan Flanders offload sharply to Chiefs halfback Xaiver Roe, who flung a wide pass to Caleb Tangitau to score in the corner. The grounding might have been dubious, but Tangitau’s impact proved undeniable.
In the 47th minute, a Tangitau chip and chase caged the Barbarians on their tryline. Suddenly, the ball spat loose, and a gleeful Roe pounced for a try.
While the Barbarians won possession back on the restart, they lost it with their first carry into contact, and a David Havili kick through saw Tangitau go close to scoring his second.
In the 58th minute, Tangitau did collect his double, poaching a timely intercept to tie the scores.
Talismatic Counties fullback Etene Nanai-Seturo was awarded Man of the Match. The former All Blacks Sevens star played a direct hand in the last two tries of the match.
In the 67th minute, he intercepted a wayward pass from the Barbarians and delivered it to Kyle Preston, the All Blacks halfback and Crusaders Super Rugby champion, sprinting clear. Then, in the 73rd minute, dependable David Havili, who led the All Blacks XV tackle count with 10, profited on a charge-down by Nanai-Seturo.
First-five Josh Jacomb impressed with his astute kicking, and the All Blacks XV forwards grew in stature. Replacement forwards Bradley Slater, Josh Fusitua, and Siale Lauaki played a strong final quarter, and Jamie Hannah and Sean Withy added punch earlier. Starting forwards, Flanders, captain Dalton Papali'i, and Blues lock Josh Beehre toiled gamely for 80 minutes.
Former All Blacks halfback Brad Weber featured for the Barbarians.
Australian Nic Berry was the referee.
The All Blacks XV lost 35-31 to the Barbarians, ironically coached by All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, in 2022.
Next Saturday, the All Blacks XV head to Bath to tackle England A.
All Blacks XV: 33 (Caleb Tangitau 2, Xavier Roe, Kyle Preston, David Havili tries; Josh Jacomb 4 cons) Barbarians: 19 (Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Evan Roos, Bongi Mbonambi tries; Robert du Preez 2 cons) HT: 7-19
