Barbarians strike in Cardiff

South African Braam van Straaten gave the Barbarians a last-kick victory in Cardiff yesterday against a background of whistling and jeering entirely contrary to the spirit of the occasion.

Justice was never more poetic.

For 80 minutes both sides declined all penalty kicks at goal, preferring to promote the running and handling essence of Barbarian rugby.

Then the worm turned. As the match reached injury time, Wales captain Andy Moore handed the ball to Stephen Jones, who kicked a penalty from in front of the posts to increase the lead to five points. The response from the Barbarians was swift and incisive.

Friedrich Lombard touched down in the corner for the 11th try of the game and his fellow- countryman kicked the winning conversion.

Perhaps the presence of 10 Lions in the Wales squad was an inhibiting influence. After their substantial removal at half time Wales finally brought a physical presence to their game.

Another Lion, Dan Luger, played the full 80 minutes, scoring the first of six Barbarian tries.