All Blacks XV fight back from 19-0 down to beat Barbarians side loaded with South Africans

Sunday, 2 November 2025

The All Blacks XV fought back from 19-0 down to score a memorable victory in Jamie Joseph’s first match against a Barbarians team loaded with South Africans.

Joseph’s side won 33-19 in London on Sunday (NZ time) after Caleb Tangitau’s double and tries for Xavier Roe, Kyle Preston and David Havili.

The All Blacks XV were three tries behind after 24 minutes at GTech Stadium when three capped Springboks, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Evan Roos, Bongi Mbonambi, all crossed when the Baabaas’ pack was too powerful.

The touring Kiwis responded with five unanswered tries — four in the second half — with some outstanding attacks led by Chiefs outside back Etene Nanai-Seturo.

It was an impressive comeback against the famous invitational team which featured 16 South Africans and former All Blacks halfback Brad Weber on their bench.

Weber, playing his first match in almost nine months after recovering a dislocated ankle, responded to the All Blacks XV’s haka with his own, facing the team he played for in his last representative appearance for New Zealand in 2023.

Captained by experienced test loose forward Dalton Papali’i, the All Blacks XV were still superior and Roe was brilliant at halfback.

Roe’s excellent pass for Tangitau’s opener was followed by his try, pouncing on a loose ball. Tangitau’s second gave the All Blacks XV the momentum for the final quarter.

Roe’s replacement, Preston, sprinted clear to claim the lead before Havili collected Nanai-Seturo’s chargedown to seal their success in London.

They face an England A side in Bath next Sunday (NZ time) when All Blacks from Scott Robertson’s squad might join the development team.

Joseph is coaching the All Blacks XV for the first time on their northern tour which concludes with another match against Uruguay in France the following Sunday (NZ time).