Bok double can't stop BaaBaas triumph
MATCH REPORT: The Barbarians came out on top in a 14-try 48-42 points-fest against the World XV at Twickenham on Sunday.
The game also gave Eddie Jones coming bragging rights over Steve Hansen.
The match was played at a ridiculous tempo from the off, with an onslaught of offloads and cross-field kicks from either side, which was what all spectators demanded given the players on show.
The pick of the tries was surely scored by Fiji and London Irish lock Api Ratuniyarawa, who finished off a team try with almost all of the star World XV back line, including Israel Folau and Semi Radradra, playing a part.
But while locks were finishing free-flowing attacks in this upside-down match, BaaBaas wing Adam Radwan was also on the end of a driving maul in the first half as well.
Despite trailing 12-28 at one point in the first half, the Barbarians went in at half-time 31-28.
After such a frantic first half, the second was slightly slower with plenty of players fatiguing, as expected.
However, tries were still flowing, with a further 31 points being scored in the second half.
The Barbarians’ eight-point lead heading into the final five minutes was slashed to just one when Springbok Sibusiso Nkosi went in in the corner for the World XV, with Wales flyhalf Rhys Patchell converting from a tight angle.
The game was put to bed for the Barbarians by Fiji centre Setareki Tamanivalu though, who crashed over the line from a fairly un-Barbarians direct tap and carry.
The match finished with a mandatory kick for a second row, this time captain Alun Wyn Jones, who attempted to avenge his conversion miss earlier in the half.
However, it was not to be for the recently retired Wales legend though, as he shanked another kick wide.
The scorers
For the Barbarians
Tries: Radwan, Li, Tamanivalu 2, Lewies, Anscombe, Hougaard, Johnson\
Cons: Anscombe 4
For the World XV
Tries: Negri, Nkosi 2, Ratuniyarawa, Folau, Hall
Cons: Hastings 4, Patchell 2
Teams
BARBARIANS: 15 Gareth Anscombe, 14 Adam Radwan, 13 Seta Tamanivalu, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Jack Maunder, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Kai Yamamoto, 6 Aaron Wainwright, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Alun Wyn Jones (captain), 3 Enrique Pieretto, 2 Nic Dolly, 1 Alex Waller.
Replacements: 16 Harry Thacker, 17 Tom West, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Rob Simmons, 20, Sione Vailanu, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22 Aaron Cruden, 23 Sam Johnson.
WORLD XV: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Israel Folau, 13, Semi Radradra, 12, Ngani Laumape, 11 Sibusiso Nkosi, 10 Adam Hastings, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Vilame Mata, 7 Michele Lamaro (captain), 6 Sebastian Negri, 5 Harry Hockings, 4 Api Ratuniyarawa, 3 Oliver Kebble, 2 Fraser Brown, 1 Wyn Jones.
Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Allan Dell, 18 Marcus Street, 19 Niccolo Cannone, 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Rhys Patchell, 23 Kaminieli Rasaku.
Referee: Tom Foley (England)
