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.
Hell of an offload. https://t.co/lcuJvx8iVa pic.twitter.com/BGauMOIihd
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) May 28, 2023
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.
OFFLOAD HEAVEN. @Barbarian_FC #KillikCup pic.twitter.com/sHSh0edqap
— Tight Five Rugby (@TightFive_Rugby) May 28, 2023
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.
Sbu Nkosi scoring for the World XV after a one-handed pass from Semi Radradra. pic.twitter.com/0qJG7LGUmr
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) May 28, 2023
What. A. Try 👏#killickcup #barbarians pic.twitter.com/TLYwLpD9yU
— Jack Tunney (@JackTunneyRugby) May 29, 2023
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.
RUGBY FRIENDS 😍😍#Baabaas #rugby #KillikCup pic.twitter.com/rlFXOjw76Y
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) May 28, 2023
The Sunday fun of Rugby ended with an impressive 48-42 win to the Barbarians – a great advert for the sport.
Despite 2 missed conversions from Alun Wyn Jones the Barbarians defeat a World XV 48-42 at Twickenham pic.twitter.com/27Vch2aNY6
— Mike Pearce Rugby (@MPsportsdragon) May 28, 2023
Check out the full highlights here.
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