Gizzy’s Bridge set to face All Blacks

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

WELLINGTON — Two more New Zealanders have been added to the Barbarians squad, which includes Gisborne’s George Bridge, to meet the All Blacks this weekend, meaning Kiwis now make up half the 26-strong invitation side.

Former All Blacks Ben Franks and Steven Luatua were named in Robbie Deans’ squad for Saturday’s match at Twickenham, bringing the number of their countrymen to 13.

Bridge, who played rugby for Ngatapa Nippers, Awapuni Primary School and Gisborne Intermediate before attending Lindisfarne College, helped Canterbury win their ninth national title at the weekend, beating Tasman 35-13.

The 22-year-old is equally at home on the wing or at fullback.

South Africans, Australians and Italy’s Simone Favaro make up the balance of the side, who also play Tonga in Limerick a week after the All Blacks.

Five of the Kiwi players — Atu Moli, Dominic Bird, Dillon Hunt, Mitchell Drummond and Richie Mo’unga — will link with the All Blacks in time for their midweek fixture against a French XV in Lyon on November 14. While Saturday’s match is not a test match All Black loosie Matt Todd appreciates more than most the importance of facing the Barbarians this weekend.

Three years ago Todd turned out for the Sir John Kirwan-led Barbarians against the Wallabies at Twickenham. From that perspective, he understands the attitude many of the familiar opposition will adopt, especially in a match that marks the 125th anniversary of the famous club.

While yet to fully test himself, with the All Blacks only now beginning their training week following an honest review of their loss to the Wallabies, Todd is confident he has recovered from the groin injury which ruled him out of a spot on the bench in that match.

The battle between Todd and Ardie Savea for the back-up openside role to Sam Cane has never been so closely contested.

Todd, accustomed to starting for Canterbury and the Crusaders, is learning to adjust to providing impact from the bench for the All Blacks. And if he gets the first chance to impress against the Baabaas ahead of Savea, he is intent on taking it.

“I’ll get back out on the field this afternoon and all going to plan I should be available for selection as long as there’s no setbacks along the way. You never want to miss a test, particularly through injury but thankfully it’s only minor.

“There will probably be some players who haven’t played a lot of footy so it’s a chance to put your hand up to say ‘pick me’. I’m sure everyone that gets the opportunity that’ll be their mindset; to go out and show Steve Hansen that you want to be picked in the coming games.”

BARBARIANS SQUAD: Forwards: Ruan Ackermann (Gloucester), Dominic Bird (Chiefs, NZ), Willie Britz (Sunwolves), Sam Carter (Brumbie, Australia), Simone Favaro (Fiamme Oro), Ben Franks (London Irish, NZ), Dillon Hunt (Highlanders), Steven Luatua (Bristol, NZ), 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, NZ). 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, NZ), Nic Stirzaker (Rebels), Nic Stirzaker (Rebels)— NZN