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Wallabies survive scare to beat Barbarians

The Wallabies in action against the Barbarians

A second-string Wallabies side rallied to overpower the entertaining Barbarians, prevailing 31-28 in their final match of 2017 in Australia on Saturday.

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There were only two starters from the Australian team who stunned world champions New Zealand in Brisbane last week – star Israel Folau making his last outing for the Wallabies this year before Michael Cheika’s men take part in November internationals against Japan, Wales, England and Scotland.

The Wallabies were on the back foot early against the Barbarians – led by Australia international Quade Cooper at Allianz Stadium in Sydney and seeking their first win over the green and gold since 1976.

Australia were down 21-5 and 21-12 at half-time as the Barbarians dazzled and entertained, an opening 40 minutes which saw prop Taniela Tupou’s trick try disallowed after putting the ball underneath his jumper.

 

But the Wallabies hit back in the second period after two yellow cards in three minutes to tryscorer Taqele Naiyaravoro and Cooper gave the hosts a two-man advantage.

And veteran Stephen Moore – in his final appearance on Aussie soil – capitalised with five minutes remaining.

The win, however, may have come at a cost following injuries to Jack Dempsey and Lukhan Tui as Cheika prepares to name his touring squad on Sunday.

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Another 8 hours ago
Razor's 2024 All Blacks Christmas wish list

"It seems like the idea of Ardie Savea moving to openside flanker is no longer on the table"


Says who? Savea was picked on the open side, with Wallace Sititi at 8, against France. It makes no difference to Savea’s game, whatsoever and allows Sititi to play in his preferred position. It also provides an option to bring in a third loose forward that may provide a better lineout option and a big body to compete with some of the big bodies found in other teams.


It was unfortunate that Finau was injured so early on against France before he had a chance to show how he might combine with Savea and Sititi, and there is still a possibility that Hoskins Sotutu might be effective alongside them too.


Don’t count out viable options.

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