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It was a close call, but Australia have come away with a three-point win over the Barbarians despite their opposition leading for much of the match.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Wallabies 31
Barbarians 28
The Wallabies and the Barbarians are set to play a one-off game on Saturday afternoon at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 3pm AEDT.
It would be easy to dismiss this match. The Rugby Championship was finished a few weeks ago. The Bledisloe is wrapped up for another year. The Spring Tour is just around the corner.
When you look at the Wallabies squad too the vast majority of first choice players are being rested – only Folau and Dempsey are involved from the team that beat the All Blacks in Brisbane recently.
Let’s face it as well – are the Barbarians really going to put up much of a battle? The last time they beat the Wallabies was way back in the mid-1970s.
So that’s it isn’t it? Forgone conclusion – an easy win for the Wallabies, nothing at stake and so many big name players focused on packing for the north.
Well as with all Barbarian games, the stories might be harder to see than a major international, but they are definitely there. And with this clash there are some really juicy stories to enjoy too!
Starting from off the field we’ve got the return of Alan Jones to the spotlight in Australian rugby as coach of the BaaBaas.
He might be getting on but his passion for showing that his way is the best way hasn’t dulled in the slightest.
He’ll be keen to show that his approach is still relevant in today’s modern game and it’d put a big smile on his face to show up the Wallabies in Sydney.
On the field is where there are plenty of players to watch. For many this is a genuine trial game and a chance to get their name either on the Tour sheet for this Spring or on the “Ones to Watch” list that most likely sits in a Cheika notebook somewhere.
The amazing/frustrating/overrated Quade Cooper is starting at No.10 for the BaaBaas and while the exhibition style of the team and the game suits his natural talent, he’ll be keen to show off that he has grown as an all-round player and should be heading north with the Wallabies in a week.
The giant Lopeti Timani has a chance to show Cheika that his poor Super Rugby season is just a memory and that he’s the natural successor to the Japan-bound McMahon. From a pure dimensions point of view, Timani should be an absolute wrecking ball but he needs to put theory into practice on Saturday.
Also in the back row but playing for the BaaBaas is the Force’s player of the season – Isi Naisarani – and while he needs another 12 months to be eligible for the Wallabies, he’ll be keen to show Cheika that the Aussie #6 shirt has his name on it.
For the Wallabies there are a couple of interesting stories to pay attention to. Firstly the Reds fly half – Duncan Paia’aua – has a chance to show that he is capable of challenging Foley for the first team spot.
While the pairing of Foley and Beale has been developing well this season, the Australian depth at No.10 is not great and Paia’aua has a great chance to help calm Cheika’s fears that Foley gets injured.
Similarly Hunt has to take advantage of the fact that Folau is not going on the Spring tour. Hunt should start at No.15 and could well have a nice run of four to five games over the coming weeks to show that he can offer something different to Folau.
It’s not about kicking Folau out of the team but if Hunt can show he’s worthy of a full time starting spot then it might get Cheika to think about whether he moves Folau into the centres, to the wing or leaves him at the back and slots Hunt in the frontline attack.
Add to all of this nuance the fact that there should be plenty of attacking rugby on display and it promises to be a cracking afternoon of rugby.
Prediction
Despite the large number of first choice players being rested it’s impossible to think that the Wallabies won’t pick up the win in this one.
Australia to win by 20
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting at 3pm AEDT on Saturday morning.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.