Lions are just the ticket for Muliaina

'You have got to measure yourself against the best and from that perspective you look at people like Jason Robinson,' he said. 'He is definitely one of the best full backs in the world.

'I watched him play when I was a youngster and he was playing rugby league for Wigan. I was a big fan of his then and I rate him up there among the best now.'

Muliaina knows what to expect from Robinson and the Lions. New Zealand, as a country, may be unaware of what will hit them next summer when more than 20,000 British and Irish fans are expected to follow the tour. But the 24-yearold saw what all the fuss was about three years ago. 'I was over in Australia with the New Zealand Colts when the Lions toured in 2001 and it was massive there,' he said. 'So I've seen a bit of what it's going to be like and I want to be involved. I don't want to miss the boat.'

He won't, but many of those on show at Twickenham will, such is the calibre of the leading All Blacks who trounced France seven days earlier.

However, a handful of players made a compelling Test case on Saturday, notably the juggernaut centre Ma'a Nonu and the hardhitting blindside flanker Jerome Kaino - definitely one with a bright future.

The match followed a predictable pattern, with the Barbarians gradually ground down by the welldrilled All Blacks, who opened up with some exhibition rugby towards the end. Graham Henry's men conjured up seven tries for the crowd of almost 60,000, with Marty Holah, Rico Gear (2), Nonu, Casey Laulala, Kaino and Piri Weepu touching down.

The Barbarians were undone by an occasionally flimsy defence - understandable for an invitation side with limited preparation time. But their efforts brought three tries, including a 75-yard interception solo special for South African lock Albert van den Berg.

Henry was delighted that his younger players secured a winning

end to a successful tour. 'We have 32 guys who have played well on this tour and that's a great foundation for next year,' he said.