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Sunday, 20 May, 2001, 15:47 GMT 16:47 UK
Baa-Baas win thriller
Wales 38-40 Barbarians
A last gasp conversion from South African fly-half Braam van Straten gave the Barbarians a 38-40 victory in a 11 try thriller against Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
Wales seemed to have wrapped up the match with a Craig Quinnell try and a Stephen Jones penalty kick in the last few minutes.
But uncapped South African winger Friederick Lombard brought the scores level after 80 minutes when he crashed over in the right corner for his second try of the match.
Fellow countryman Van Straten then kicked a superb conversion from the right touchline to secure a memorable victory.
One positive for coach Graham Henry was seeing all of Wales' Lions coming through the game unscathed, and teenager Gavin Henson making a composed international debut at fly-half.
The Barbarians produced a superb attacking display to claim a deserved 7-14 half-time advantage.
South African full-back Percy Montgomery was at the heart of everything positive about the Barbarians and but for some basic handling errors they could have enjoyed a greater advantage.
But Wales were not out in the sunshine merely to make up the numbers and they kept themselves in the hunt with a Neil Jenkins try.
The record breaking points scorer fooled the Baa-Baas defence with a deft side-step and dummy pass to cross over underneath the posts.
The tourists regained their advantage when New Zealand winger Vidiri showed a clean pair of heels to go over in the right corner.
Former All Black lock Ian Jones made the score with a powerful break through midfield and then passed to Vidiri who outpaced Kevin Morgan and Colin Charvis.
Wales thought they had levelled the scores before the break when Williams crossed underneath the posts.
The pace of the game slowed noticeably immediately after the break but it was the Baa-Baas who still carried the greater threat until two quickfire Kevin Morgan tries turned the game around.
The Swansea full-back was first to a superb grubber kick from prop Darren Morris after 54 minutes.
Morgan won another race to a loose ball just three minutes later to touch down again.
Stephen Jones, who kicked the ball ahead, added both conversions to put Wales 21-14 in front.
The tourists moved back to within two points when substitute winger Lombard crossed in the corner.
But Van Straten missed with his third attempt at goal and the Welsh were quickly back down the other end to restore their lead.
Williams, at last making decent possession count, raced through a gap down the left wing for an excellent five-pointer.
Jones added an equally superb conversion to give the home side breathing space at 28-19, but the Baa-Baas were not about to lie down.
But the game was now becoming a series of tries and it was Craig Quinnell's turn to add his name to the try scorers.
The lock collected the ball from a lineout and forced his way passed would-be tacklers for a try.
Jones added the extras but the entertainment was by no means over.
Montgomery capped a fine display with a try by the posts as the game entered the final minute.
Van Straten's conversion reduced the deficit to 35-33, but a Jones penalty seconds later appeared to have wrapped up the game in Wales' favour.
The star-studded Baa-Baas were never done, however, and a late Lombard try and Van Straten conversion snatched the win in the third minute of injury time.
Scorers - Wales: Tries: N Jenkins, K Morgan (2), S Williams, C Quinnell; Pen: S Jones; Cons: N Jenkins (2), S Jones (3)
Barbarians: Tries: D Luger, J Vidiri, F Lombard (2), N Drotske, P Montgomery; Cons: B van Straten (5)
Wales: K Morgan, M Jones, M Taylor, S Jones, S Williams,
N Jenkins, R Howley, I Thomas, R McBryde, D Young, C Quinnell,
A Moore, C Charvis, M Williams, G Lewis.
Barbarians: P Montgomery, D Luger, J Little, K Maggs, J Vidiri,
Van Straten, van der Westhuizen, G Pagel, T Leota, C Dowd, T Bowman, I Jones, B Clarke, J Kronfeld, G Teichmann.
Referee: Ed Morrison (RFU)
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