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All Blacks claim victory, but Barbarians win hearts at Twickenham
It was a case of just playing the bad guy again for the All Blacks against the Barbarians, as they ran out 31-22 winners in the famous club’s 125th anniversary fixture.
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What a game! #rugby #rugbyunited ? #BARvNZL ?? https://t.co/zKVXMxFB4G
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) November 4, 2017
After shooting out to a 10-nil lead through tries to Richie Mo’unga and George Bridge, the crowd-favourite Barbarians looked on course to emulate their 2009 predecessors who triumphed over the All Blacks at the same ground. The All Blacks replied with tries to TJ Perenara and Vaea Fifita, but Sam Carter crashed over to give the Barbarians a 17-10 halftime lead.
However, a three try burst in the second half locked the game away for the All Blacks. Ngani Laumape, Sam Cane and Nathan Harris all crossed in the space of five minutes to shoot the score out to 31-17 and the game was effectively over as a contest after 60 minutes.
The Barbarians had the last say though, with a spectacular try to Bridge to finish the game. Off a teed-up kick across the field to Vince Aso, Bridge collected the ball and scooted 30 metres to score.
As well as Mo’unga and Bridge, former All Black Steven Luatua had a huge game, as did Lions flanker Kwagga Smith.
The All Blacks now head to Paris where they take on France next weekend.
