Following their draw with the Springboks, the Barbarians played the Czech Republic in Prague last night, with the home side keen to impress their passionate fans. While the 32-ranked team fought admirably, the Barbarians gulf in experience and skill showed, as they won 71-0.
It was a historic night in icey cold Prague as the two sides met for the first time ever, marking the 90th anniversary of the Czech Rugby Union.
The 7000 fans in attendance were in great spirits and got to see some fantastic rugby, as the home team tackled and carried hard, while the talented Barbarians outfit – comprising mainly Super Rugby players – ran them off their feet to score a whopping 11 tries.
At halftime it felt like a fairly even contest but the scoreboard said otherwise, as the famous invitation club streaked to a 31-0 lead.
Czechs clear from their own line – A Czexit? – & it’s HT. Entertaining stuff in the blistering cold. 0-31 #rugby #rugbyunited #worldrugby
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) November 8, 2016
Blues winger Melani Nanai was on sensational form, stepping players with ease and picking up a brace of tries in the process, as did Highlanders flyer Matt Faddes, Crusaders playmaker Richie Mo’unga, and Springbok Sevens star Kwagga Smith.
Other tries were scored by Toby Smith, Sam Carter and Schalk van der Merwe, with Robert du Preez adding six conversions and Mo’unga slotting two.
The Barbarians trip to Prague was about more than just this match, as they held outreach programs for young players and coach Robbie Deans engaged with local coaches throughout the three-day trip.
Overall it was a succesful event and despite the scoreline, the home fans loved every moment, soaking up the occassion as both teams did laps of honours before the players all swapped jerseys.
A gorilla escaped London Zoo & downed 5 litres of squash but Czech’s effort tonight has been far more impressive ???? #rugby #rugbyunited
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) November 8, 2016
The Barbarians now travel to Belfast, where they will take on Fiji on Friday night. If all goes according to plan, Ulster superstar Ruan Pienaar will be in the mix for the Baa-Baas.
credit: ctsport
Foto: Martin FLOUSEK / www.martinflousek.com
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