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Barbarians centre Sonny Bill Williams would have scored a try with his first touch of the ball in international rugby if not for an outstanding last-gasp tackle from Wallabies halfback Luke Burgess.
Williams only had eyes for the posts as he brushed off three defenders including Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock in a barnstorming run to the line from about 15 metres out.
But a diving George Gregan-esque tackle from Burgess on Williams in the fourth minute saved a certain try and spoiled what would have been a fairytale return to Australian soil for the former NRL star who walked out on the Bulldogs less than a year ago.
Many of the 39,688 fans at Sydney Football Stadium watched the numerous big-screen replays trying to figure out which Wallabies player had stopped Williams in his tracks.
Most would have been backing one of the bigger men on the field but it was the Wallabies’ zippy halfback who came up with the goods despite giving up 19kgs and 12 centimetres to the Toulon recruit.
Wallabies skipper Mortlock wasn’t about the let his opposite number show him up up and got one back when he nailed Williams in a trademark heavy tackle which left SBW grinning and shaking his head once he got to his feet to the roar of the crowd.
Facing a three-try deficit with halftime fast approaching, Barbarians captain Phil Waugh, who played extremely well, made a brilliant intercept on his own 22 to spark the visitors only try of the match.
The Baa Baas, who were without Rocky Elsom, showed their willingness to chance their arms and throw the ball around as they made 70 metres, with Williams having a hand in a play which was well finished by English winger Iain Balshaw.
Playing his final international match former Wallabies and Waratahs halfback Chris Whitaker showed he has lost nothing at the scrum base as he sent ball after ball firing to his backline again and again.
He almost matched opposite number Burgess in his try-saving efforts when in the 16th minute his last-gasp attempt on Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell looked to have spoiled a certain try but was later ruled by the video referee as legal.
Whitaker received a standing ovation from his former home ground when he left the field in the 46th minute after a strong and gritty contribution to the Baa Baas cause, which ended in a 55-7 defeat.
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.