Fiji did not always enter into the spirit, kicking a penalty at the end of the first half to go in level and a second to regain the lead 14 minutes from time. It showed that it was not purely an exhibition match for a side that included only three players who were involved in last year’s World Cup quarter-final against England.
One was flanker and captain Mali Derenalagi who marauded around the pitch, part forward part back with his power and explosive pace that were shown off in Epeli Momo’s third try 14 minutes into the second half.
Derenalagi, the Fiji Drua captain who came off the bench against England, caught a ball high above his head on his 22 and set off without breaking stride, galloping into Barbarians’ territory before drawing the last defender and sending Momo away.
It was a typically Fijian try and if they were unable to hold on to their lead, conceding two tries in the final 10 minutes, they had had only one training session having arrived in London two days before the game but still pushed a strong Barbarians all the way.
Esta historia es de la edición June 23, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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