It was a momentous occasion at Twickenham yesterday as the Barbarians took on the World XV for the first time in history. A jubilant, albeit slightly empty, Twickenham crowd were treated to a festival of running rugby from some of the greatest players on earth.
Semi Radradra was on fine form as he showcased some of the sublime skills that he’s become so famous for in the white of Fiji and the blue of Bristol. There were flashes of brilliance from the former Wallaby and current Tonga player Israel Folau, as well as stand out performances from Welsh players Gareth Anscombe and the recently retired Alun Wyn Jones.
The match got off to a flying start with the World XV taking an early and commanding lead. The Barbarians were thought to be out of their depth at one stage as the World XV appeared to be pulling away with flashes of team brilliance and individual mastery.
Like Barbarians of old, however, there was never any counting them out as they picked up the gears and forced their way back into the game. The halftime whistle arrived with the ‘Baa Baa’s’ in the lead having taken the game back by the scruff of the neck.
The second half started much slower than the first, no doubt due to the pure intensity that the first 40 minutes held. Those neutrals looking for a bit of a second half action needed not worry for long as the game kicked back into life with both sides exchanging scores, and often passes as the offloading game got even looser as legs and minds disintegrated under the Twickenham sun.
The Sunday fun of Rugby ended with an impressive 48-42 win to the Barbarians - a great advert for the sport.
Check out the full highlights here.
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