Bledisloe mark three at Twickenham?

Those who favour a three-match Bledisloe Cup rugby series every year would approve of the Barbarians starting 15 named today to face the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday.

Nine Australians dominate the team, including five in a backline that looks set to pose some tough questions of the youthful New Zealand team in their final game of the year.

The three starting Barbarians from South Africa are all in the forwards while Fiji is represented on the wing by Sireli Bobo and New Zealand provides the two-pronged decision-making hub - captain Justin Marshall at halfback and No 8 Xavier Rush.

While the forward pack boasts some quality individuals, including two industrious flankers in Australian Phil Waugh and South African Schalk Burger, it is the instant Wallaby combinations in the backline that could pose the most problems.

There is a degree of experimentation, with usual winger Lote Tuqiri to start at centre and regular fullback Chris Latham on the wing.

Matt Giteau, who starred when switched to first five-eighth against England last weekend, is back in the No 10 jersey while Mat Rogers presents an attacking threat at fullback.

Some cynics have already suggested that Barbarians coach and former Australian mentor Bob Dwyer is doing the bidding of present Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, who wants to see the likes of Giteau and Tuqiri given a chance in these positions.

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith said preparing for the Wallabies-laden backline wasn't as simple as pulling out the playbook used for tests against Australia.

"It's a different game and different attitudes so you can't expect they'll play the same way as Aussie," Smith said.

"Traditionally the Barbarians throw a few different moves and formations in and like to be innovative.

"We're expecting the unexpected."

Barbarians: Mat Rogers (Australia), Chris Latham (Australia), Lote Tuqiri (Australia), Morgan Turinui (Australia), Sireli Bobo (Fiji), Matt Giteau (Australia), Justin Marshall (New Zealand), Xavier Rush (New Zealand), Phil Waugh (Australia), Schalk Burger (South Africa), Albert Van Den Bergh (South Africa), Daniel Vickerman (Australia), Faan Rautenbach (South Africa), Brendan Cannon (Australia), Bill Young (Australia). Reserves: Aisea Tuilevu (Fiji), Gcobani Bobo (South Africa), Werner Greef (South Africa), Radike Samo (Australia), AJ Venter (South Africa), Andrea Lo Cicero (Italy), Gary Botha (South Africa).

- NZPA