Barbarians state case for more opportunities after proving too classy for Maori

George Moala of the Barbarians makes a break during the match at Eden Park. Photo / Getty Images

The New Zealand Barbarians have made a compelling case for more high-quality fixtures, home or away, after their 34-17 victory over the Maori All Blacks at Eden Park.

The club was hoping to be included on the 2017 Lions itinerary, perhaps for the opening game, the opposition for which has yet to be confirmed, but that looks unlikely.

Barbarians coach Scott McLeod said his team needed more games.

"You only need to ask the players if they enjoyed the week and for what reasons. Those reasons are a massive part of rugby. The NZ Barbarians give a helluva lot back to the development and growth of our game. They need a reward for that. Tonight was a part of that and it would be nice to see it continue," he said. The Barbarians played like they were relaxed, had nothing to lose and knew they would have to play as a team to enhance individuals' higher aspirations. The Maori looked tense, flat and unsure of themselves, though they mounted a useful, if ultimately fruitless, second half comeback.

The physicality of the Barbarians, especially from their loose trio and the likes of seasoned lock Alex Ainley, was the most stark aspect of their rugby, along with their uncluttered tactical approach.

"Physicality is what Stormy [McLeod] wanted us to focus on, hunting as a trio at the breakdown. If you get it right you cause a bit of havoc. We had to own that space and we did it well," said captain Brad Shields, one of several to have impressed the wise men. Another was first five Tom Taylor, who had not worn the No10 jersey since the ITM Cup last October. His father, Warwick, is a Barbarian and would have enjoyed Tom's display, scoring a nice try, off a top-drawer Richard Buckman offload, and slotting four goals.

Taylor may now be the fifth-ranked No 10, good to know if there is another 2011 RWC injury crisis in that position. "It was a nice easy ride, especially when the forwards played like they did tonight. They set a really good platform and tactically we did a good job," said Taylor.

The sole blight on the match for the Barbarians was an ankle injury to wing Cory Jane, who limped off early in the second half of just his second outing in eight weeks. He is due for a scan today, but is walking and had a soft cast for travel yesterday. Any medium-term layoff will likely be terminal to his Rugby World Cup chances after he played well.

Few of the Maori enhanced their reputations, except perhaps Brendon Edmonds, blindside flanker Blade Thomson, who carried strongly, and captain Charlie Ngatai, who was safe and straightened the attack.