A five-strong Northland contingent were named in the New Zealand Barbarians squad to take on the New Zealand Maori team at Northland Events Centre on June 12. Northland coach Bryce Woodward named 2009 Taniwha's skipper Jared Payne and Rene Ranger in the line-up, while Lachie Munro, Dean Budd and Ryan Caineare reserves. It is the first-ever sports fixture held at the new events centre, formerly known as Okara Park. A slight twist came about on Monday though, when Ranger was called into train with the All Blacks ahead of their test against Ireland, as extra cover for the injured Richard Kahui and Mils Muliaina. Ranger will only play for the Barbarians if he is not needed in the All Blacks' fixture in New Plymouth, also on June 12. The historic match featuring a talented mix of players, was set to be a memorable one, Payne said. "It should be good fun to have a run around with those guys ... I think it will be a pretty special day with opening of the new stadium and all," he said. It was the perfect opportunity to showcase the stadium and facilities ahead of the ITM Cup national provincial season and 2011 RWC. While Payne believed Woodward had assembled a competitive group for the Barbarians, he suggested the New Zealand Maori side would be fired up for the initial fixture of Maori rugby's centennial year. "It's a pretty massive year for Maori rugby and so this match will mean a lot. "They are all professional players and they will be a tough team ... but we will go out there and give it a good crack." Although winning was the obvious objective, Payne reckoned the atmosphere would be pretty magic, with mates playing against mates. Northland player Bronson Murray, named in the Maori side on Sunday, would go up against a handful of his teammates on the Taniwha's home ground. "It will be good to play against some of my mates in the Maori side, and it should be a pretty fun day." The NZ Maori v NZ Barbarians kicks off at the Northland Events Centre on June 12 at 4.35pm. The curtainraiser between the Northland Rugby Academy and the Blues Rugby Academy will kick off proceedings at 2.30pm. General admission ticket prices begin at $12.50 children U15 and $17.50 adults, and from $30 covered grandstand seat.
