A star studded French Barbarians side hosted Tonga this past weekend in what was a great game of rugby that featured some fantastic players, and went right down to the wire. If you dont know the result, skip to the video now to avoid the spoiler.
The French Barbarians side is an invitational team that was made up of players that play domestically in France. They fielded a strong lineup, with no less than 13 internationally capped players, including the likes of Byron Kelleher, Cedric Heymans, George Smith, Mathieu Bastareaud, and the man everyone wanted to see, Rupeni Caucaunibuca.
Tonga were playing their final tour match after previously beating Italy A 16-9. They came back from being 27-9 down against the Barbarians side to take claim an impressive 28-27 win.
French replacement Benoit Baby had a chance to win the game with time up, but he hit the post, resulting in a famous win for the tourists that theyll take a lot of confidence from.
Late tries from Viliami Helu, Mateo Malupo, and Ueleni Fono, as well as an all important conversion got them the win. The Barbarians scored a wonderful try through Carl Hayman, and Caucau also crossed. Two missed opportunities late in the game from poor passes, by scrumhalf Kelleher, ultimately proved costly in the end.
It was a great game whatever the result, with real ambition shown throughout. Enjoy.
Time: 07:11
French Barbarians: 15 Cderic Heymans, 14 Rupeni Caucaunibuca, 13 Mathieu Basteraud, 12 Maxime Mermoz, 11 Vincent Clerc, 10 Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, 9 Byron Kelleher, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Chris Masoe, 6 George Smith, 5 Yoann Maestri, 4 Rob Linde, 3 Sylvain Marconnet, 2 Benjamin Kayser, 1 Daan Human
Tonga: 15 Vunga Lilo, 14 Mateo Malupo, 13 Alaska Taufa, 12 Andrew Ma'ilei, 11 Viliami Helu, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Samisoni Fisilau, 8 Samiu Vahafolau, 7 Finau Maka, 6 Tukulua Lokotui, 5 Emosi Kauhenga, 4 Paino Hehea, 3 Kisi Pulu, 2 Ephraim Taufaka, 1 Tonga Lea'aetoa
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