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The Barbarians remain unbeaten during the Autumn internationals after thumping Fiji 40-7 at Kingspan Stadium on Friday night
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Tries from Akker van der Merwe (2), Matthew Faddes and Andy Ellis gave the Baa Baas a 28-0 lead at the break
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Richard Mo’unga’s and Luke Morahan scored late on to seal the win for the Barbarians with Robert du Preez completing their tally from the tee
Following their 31-31 draw against South Africa at Wembley last weekend and their midweek victory in the Czech Republic, the Barbarians put in another scintillating display as they romped to a convincing win against a young Fijian side in horrendous conditions on Friday night in Belfast.
The Baa Baas got off to the perfect start, scoring two tries in the opening six minutes to open up a 14-0 lead. Lions hooker Akker van der Merwe, who’s nicknamed the ‘angry warthog’, touched down from a lineout drive within two minutes before Matthew Faddes added a second soon after following a close down. South African Rober du Preez converted both confidently.
Van der Merwe then added a second after 17 minutes, being slipped into score by captain Andy Ellis to dive over unchallenged. Fly-half du Preez again added the extra two from the touchline, 21-0.
The skipper then turned from provider to scorer after the experienced scrum-half sniped over expertly from the side of the ruck. The conversion was again added by du Preez, making it 28-0 with just 27 minutes gone. And that’s how things stayed heading into the break.
After playing the ball out wide inside the Barbarians 22 Waisea Nayacalevu managed to open Fiji’s account after the restart with the unlikely frame of Nemani Nadolo slotting the touchline conversion to reduce the deficit to 21.
Richard Mo’unga all but sealed the result five minutes from time but the BaaBaas weren’t finished as Luke Morahan squeezed in another five-pointer to finish the game with some excitement. du Preez converted the first to complete the hosts tally.
Barbarians: Robert du Preez
Barbarians: 15 Melani Nanai (Blues), 14 Matt Faddes (Highlanders), 13 Tommy Bowe (Ulster & Ireland), 12 Richard Buckman (Highlanders/Panasonic), 11 Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs/Panasonic & Australia), 10 Robert du Preez (Stormers), 9 Andy Ellis (Crusaders/Kobelco & New Zealand, captain), 8 Luke Whitelock (Highlanders & New Zealand), 7 Jordan Taufua (Crusaders), 6 Brad Shields (Hurricanes), 5 Sam Carter (Brumbies & Australia), 4 Michael Fatialofa (Hurricanes), 3 Ben Franks (London Irish & New Zealand), 2 Akker van der Merwe (Lions), 1 Reggie Goodes (Hurricanes)
Replacements: 16 Andrew Ready (Reds), 17 Toby Smith (Rebels & Australia), 18 Paddy Ryan (Waratahs & Australia), 19 Martin Muller (Lions), 20 Ruan Ackermann (Lions), 21 Ruan Pienaar (Ulster & South Africa), 22 Richard Mo’unga (Crusaders), 23 Luke Morahan (Force & Australia)
Fiji: 15 Benito Masilevu, 14 Waisea Nayacalevu, 13 Asaeli Tikorotuma, 12 Albert Vulivuli, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Serupepeli Vularika, 8 Akapusi Qera, 7 Mosese Voka, 6 Naulia Dawai, 5 Dominiko Waqaniburoto, 4 Api Ratuniyarawa, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Jale Sassen, 1 Campese Ma’afu
Replacements: 16 Joeli Veitayaki, 17 Sunia Koto, 18 Leroy Atalifo, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Eremasi Radrodro, 21 Nemia Kenatale, 22 Metuisela Talebula, 23 Vatemo Ravouvou
