Wallabies and South Africans dominate the Barbarians rugby team to play New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday but its the Baabaas captain who'll get much All Blacks' attention.

Halfback Justin Marshall, New Zealand's most capped back, has been chosen to lead the Barbarians invitational team against his countrymen after being rested from their undefeated tour of Europe.

"It's a great honour not only to be part of the squad but to captain the side against my own country," Marshall said.

"It will certainly be a unique experience and I'm very much looking forward to the game on Saturday."

He'll lead a Bob Dwyer-coached 21-man squad with seven Wallabies in it - Mat Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Clyde Rathbone, Mat Rogers, Phil Waugh, Daniel Vickerman and Brendan Cannon.

Marshall is one of three New Zealanders in the squad, including No. 8 Xavier Rush and 2002-03 captain Reuben Thorne, who joined the All Black touring party as injury cover but didn't play.

But the biggest representation comes from newly-crowned IRB team of the year South Africa.

Flanker Schalk Burger and five teammates were released to the Barbarians, instead of joining the Springboks' flight to Buenos Aires for a Test against Argentina on Saturday.

Burger was named world rugby player of the year on Sunday.

He was with fellow Springboks AJ Venter, Os du Randt and fringe players Danie Rossouw, Brent Russell, Gcobani Bobo among the eight South Africans in the invitation squad.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP