British rugby writer and famed All Blacks critic Stephen Jones has launched a stinging criticism of the New Zealand side, following their 31-22 win over the Barbarians at Twickenham yesterday.
Writing in Britain's Sunday Times, Jones made it clear he was less than impressed with the second-string All Blacks side, as they were made to work for their win over a Barbarians side containing mostly New Zealanders.
"New Zealand - and it was their second string, in effect up against their third string - were no great shakes on the day," Jones wrote.
"The match had tame periods but was often entertaining, and people clearly enjoyed the resistance of the underdogs, even if they had hardly heard of any of them."
Jones also fired shots towards first-five and stand in captain Beauden Barrett.
"Beauden Barrett was almost as anonymous as he had been against the Lions," Jones said.
The All Blacks have today arrived France, where they will face Les Bleus in Paris on November 12.
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