IT SEEMED AS though only a handful of Barbarians players left the Olympic Stadium happy after today’s Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture – and a few of them had been left drenched by an unwanted water break midway through the first half.
Yes, the sprinklers at Queen Elizabeth park were an unexpected element of first half entertainment for supporters in London. Though those in the stands weren’t impressed by the overall experience, with many claiming the venue was understaffed and, crucially, under-beered.
On the field, Samoa were sunk 27 – 24 after lock Kane Thompson earned a red card for punching after just 16 minutes. Saia Fainga’a was sin-binned in the same incident.
Actually, maybe a quick cooling off period was merited.
By that stage Adam Thomson and Anthiny Perenise had already ran in tries for their sides. Samoa managed to stay in touch until the half-time break with a Ken Pisi try making it 17 – 17 after a fine finish from new Western Force signing Ben Tapuai.
Thomson scored a second try after the break before Jack Lam scored to level the scores at 22 apiece before Tim Nanai-Williams’ conversion edged the Pacific islanders in to the lead.
It was short lived however, as Tapuai rounded off the killer 63rd minute score of the BaaBaas after a scintillating flowing move complete with crisp passing and overflowing with the Barbarian spirit.
Here’s the highlights.
Ireland will play in the Olympic Stadium on 4 October when they take on Italy (who lost 48 – 7 to Scotland today), so the rogue water spouts and facilities will surely be under control by then.
