In a match which saw the lead change five times, the final score flattered the Welsh side who struggled to dominate their invitational opposition who came to party by throwing the ball around.
Welsh greats Shane Williams and Martyn Williams both bowed out of rugby after illustrious careers but Harry Robinson stole the show on the wing with a well taken try.
As the match wore on and the Barbarians looked like they could sneak victory, Wales became their own worst enemy by trying to play rugby from deep inside their own territory. Fortunately for them the Barbarians didn’t go for goal when offered the opportunites. If they had, it could have put a totally different complexion on the game.
Wales offered new caps to full back Liam Williams, winger Harry Robinson and prop Rhodri Jones in the starting line-up while centre Adam Warren made his debut from the bench while Wales legend Martyn Williams’ career came full circle after he came on to earn his 100th cap as a 46th minute replacement for Alun Wyn Jones – 16 years after making his debut against the same opposition.
Wales had an ideal start when Justin Tipuric was held back from a scrum by Richie Rees which gifted James Hook an early sighter at goal, which he took to give Wales a 3-0 lead.
The Baa-Baas then managed to retain the ball with big Georgian flanker Mamuka Gorgodze making his presence felt, charging into Matthew Rees who reeled away in some discomfort.
The crowd were waiting in anticipation for wing wizard Shane Williams to produce a bit of magic – but it was Blues winger Harry Robinson who announced his presence on the world stage with a stunning debut try.
Robinson got the ball near halfway and showed a clean pair of heals as he sped clear of the flagging Barbarians defence to score in the corner. Hook added the conversion to give Wales a 10-0 lead.
Hook increased the lead with a straightforward penalty as the invitational side struggled to get a toehold in the match.
Almost out of nothing the Barbarians closed the gap through a converted try to fly half Stephen Donald when he slid over in the 28th minute. The Barbarians found themselves behind 13-7 but still in the hunt.
Wales were reduced to 14 men when Rhys Gill was sin binned for infringing at a ruck when the Baa-Baas were ominously close to driving over. Immediately the hosts were under the kosh – twice referee Alain Rolland went upstairs to the TMO and twice the verdict came back in Wales’ favour.
Eventually the Welsh dam broke as Rees burst over to score against his countrymen. Donald’s successful conversion put the Barbarians ahead for the first time in the match.
Wales had the chance to regain the lead but Hook’s penalty dropped short of the cross bar but he had a second bite of the cherry almost immediately and this time he made no mistake as he put his side back in front.
The Barbarians turned down a certain three points when Martyn Williams was pinged for coming in from the side. The bold bid for glory was rewarded when Donald powered over for his second try despite the best efforts of Dan Biggar and Andrew Bishop. The ex-All Black knocked over the easy conversion to put the Barbarians 16-21 ahead.
The Barbarians had chances close to the sticks to shoot for goal but they went for the five pointers instead – but this time their ploy didn’t work – and it came back to haunt them.
Wales moved downfield where Hook burst clear to score out wide. His excellent conversion from wide out put Wales back in front 23-21.
Aled Brew sealed the win when he pick pocketed a Barbarians breakout to streak over. In essence, it was one of the few passes he received all game.
Wales care-taker head coach Rob Howley will be delighted to get his tenure under way with a victory but he will be fully aware tougher tests await as his squad fly out to Australia tomorrow for a three Test series.
Wales scorers:
Tries: Robinson, Hook, Brew; Cons: Hook (3); Pens: Hook (3)
Barbarians: Tries: Donald (2), Rees; Cons: Donald (3)
