Rugby: Baabaas recruit stellar squad to face All Blacks

Wallaby first-five Matt Giteau heads a host of stars named in the Barbarians squad to play the All Blacks on December 5. Photo / Getty Images

Former Springboks coach Nick Mallett will guide a Barbarians side already taking on an ominous appearance for their match against All Blacks in December.

Mallett, now in charge at Italy, will have ample world class players at his disposal for the season-ending match at Twickenham on December 5.

Two key members of the world champion Springboks have accepted invitations to play - lock Victor Matfield and winger Bryan Habana - with lineout king Matfield to make his Barbarians debut.

A classy backline looms, with injured Australian captain Stirling Mortlock confirmed to play, along with playmaking teammate Matt Giteau and skilful Argentinian first five-eighth Juan Martin Hernandez.

Mallet will be assisted by his long-time Springboks assistant Alan Solomons for the 10th All Blacks-Barbarians fixture dating back to 1954. The last was at Twickenham in 2004.

- NZPA