Robbie Deans believes Barbarians represent ‘the essence of rugby’

Barbarians v New Zealand, Twickenham, 3pm : Cluttered calendar would appear to threaten the relevance of a team built on amateur ideals

Fri, Nov 3, 2017, 18:54

Gerard Meagher

Barbarians coach during a training session at Latymer Upper School. His side is not a team littered with big-name draws, rather youngsters. Photograph: Getty Images

Barbarians coach during a training session at Latymer Upper School. His side is not a team littered with big-name draws, rather youngsters. Photograph: Getty Images

It can be all too easy to laud New Zealand for their black magic, to marvel at their sorcery and wonder precisely what kind of deal they have made with the devil. On Saturday, however, we may just witness the greatest trick they ever pulled.

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