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Bridge among trio the Barbarians have added to face All Blacks XV

By Kim Ekin
(Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

Out-of-favour All Blacks winger George Bridge has been added to Scott Robertson’s Barbarians squad to take on an All Blacks XV in London next month. The 27-year-old, who was recently announced as a new Montpellier signing for the 2023/24 Top 14 season in France, was named by the Baa-Baas for the November 13 match at Tottenham along with Camille Chat and Josua Tuisova.

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A statement read: “Barbarian FC have announced three global stars of rugby – George Bridge, Camille Chat and Josua Tuisova – will be joining the squad in London ahead of the Killik Cup against All Blacks XV on Sunday, November 13. The Barbarians are also set to play a number of domestic fixtures following the disruption to the Gallagher Premiership calendar.

“The famous invitational side has appointed Scott Robertson and Ronan O’Gara to lead them for the Killik Cup, with England and Montpellier star Zach Mercer already named in the squad and more players to be announced in the coming days.

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“Joining Mercer in the Barbarians squad are three huge names in the world of rugby: New Zealand’s George Bridge, France’s Camille Chat and Fiji’s Josua Tuisova. Crusader Bridge, who will soon be heading to Mercer’s club Montpellier in France, already has a Barbarians appearance alongside his 18 caps for the All Blacks, turning out against England in 2017.

“Camille Chat joins the squad from French Top 14 side Racing 92 where he has made 144 appearances since joining the side in 2015. The hooker has 33 caps for France and will be making his Barbarians debut.

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“Another power player joining the Barbarians is flying Fijian winger Josua Tuisova. Currently playing for Lyon in the Top 14, Tuisova has 19 caps for Fiji and an Olympic gold medal to his name as part of Fiji’s Olympic 7s winning team at Rio 2016, the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal.”

Head coach Robertson, who coaches Bridge at the Crusaders, said of the Kiwi winger: “He is a hard worker, he is tough and he’s a winner. George is such a good honest man and we can all call him a great mate.”

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Bull Shark 2 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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