The French Barbarians scored a lovely try to upset a Wallaby XV team 19-11 in front of over 30 000 fans in Bordeaux on Thursday night. With three minutes left in the match it could have gone either way, but the French team scored through number eight Camille Gerondeau.
The Wallaby team comprised of a mix of former, current and future Test players, some plying their trade in Europe and others already squad members of the national team.
NRL convert Marika Koroibete provided the scoring pass for Ben Mowen to score within three minutes, before Nick Frisby kicked a penalty to give them a 8-3 lead at half time.
“It was pretty intense. It’s not a good way to start my rugby career [the loss], but hopefully more to come,” said Koroibete, who was playing his first rugby union game since high school. “At the start I was a bit nervous, but then I got a first touch and got a bit comfortable.. still more to learn.”
Julien Dumora and Romain Lonca kicked four penalties to put the home side in front 12-11, before their vocal home support helped them come up with the late winner that ensured victory on a historic occasion.
The Wallabies face Ireland this weekend in Dublin, as they continue their charge for a Grand Slam.
French Barbarians 19 (Camille Gerondeau try; Julien Dumora con; Romain Lonca, Julien Diamora 3 pens) Wallaby XV 11 (Ben Mowen try; Nick Frisby, Kyle Godwin pens)
credit: l’equipe
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