Man of the Match, Bismarck du Plessis contributed two tries towards a Barbarian victory against Fiji with the final score 43–19.
The Barbarians racked up seven tries: one each from Tom Taylor, Charles Piutau and Duane Vermeulen and two each from the South African captain Jean De Villiers and South African hooker Bismarck du Plessis, whose defiant second try followed a line-out.
The Fijians were quick to start their centenary celebrations with the first try of the match in seven minutes from Asaeli Tikoirotuma, but ran out of steam and did not find the second until after the interval.
Fiji were quickly left behind and in the absence of some top international players were unable to match the Barbarian’s power and pace.
This was capped by Mala Ravulo’s yellow card 21 minutes in for tackling a ball carrier out in the air.
This incident spurred on Steve Hansen’s men, who after a slow start took firm grip of the game.
At the interval the Barbarians led 17-7 and continued the momentum after the restart to increase their lead.
In the space of five minutes Charles Piutau and Jean de Villiers both went over for the Barbarians, Lambie converting both.
Tom Taylor followed up with a touch-down in the corner.
Fiji fought back and responded with their second score through Henry Seniloli.
But captain De Villiers once again exuded the Barbarian’s dominance collecting a chip over the Fijan defence to score under the post, which was again converted by Lambie.
Fiji refused to give up and it was Alex Rokobaro who raced in and rounded the game off with a final try that left the game score 43-19.
Image Courtesy of REX/Gallo Images
