Former All Blacks to clash in Europe

Tawera Kerr-Barlow in action for the All Blacks in 2015.
Photo: AFP

Former All Blacks are set to go head to head in Ireland this weekend in a bid for European rugby glory.

Defending champions La Rochelle of France will meet Ireland’s Leinster in the crescendo of the European Champions Cup season.

Halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow and utility back Charlie Ngatai will run our for La Rochelle and Leinster respectively

The pair played thirty tests between them with Kerr-Barlow a member of the 2015 Rugby World Cup winning squad.

Kerr-Barlow bagged a brace in his sides 47-28 semi final win over Exeter Chiefs and sits second equal on the seasons try scoring charts with five.

Meanwhile, Leinster booked their place in the final with a 41-22 victory over Toulouse.

Also playing for Leinster are former Maori All Blacks and current Irish internationals Jamison Gibson-Park and James Lowe.

Kerr-Barlow told European media his clash with Gibson-Park at halfback will be a reunion of sorts.

“He’s a great player. I played a lot against him in New Zealand, he’s a quality nine and can run the socks off almost anyone.”

Kerr-Barlow said his opposite will be a key weapon for the hosts,

“He’s been doing a fabulous job for Leinster. He looks like he’s a big part of how they play, the tempo and his ability to speed the game up. He’s definitely a big factor for them.”

Gibson-Park concurred as he told Irish outlet Sports Joe.

“Tawera has forged a pretty awesome career over a good number of years now. He’s become a real mainstay in that La Rochelle team.”

Leinster will be looking to avenge the defeat they suffered in the final in Marseille last year and claim a record-equalling fifth title.

La Rochelle could become just the fourth team to defend their crown.

Kick off in Dublin is Sunday 4am NZT.