Barbarians come from behind to beat Tonga 27-23

Barbarians 27-24 Tonga, Thomond Park
Scorecard

Barbarians fought back brilliantly from being 0-14 down to go on to win the encounter against Tonga with a 27-24 margin at Thomond Park on Friday.

Fullback Afa Pakalani and Fotu Lokotui scored two early tries for Tonga in the 1st and 8th minutes respectively while Tane Takulua slotted the extras on both the occasions to take them to a 14-0 lead.

Barbarians' response came in the 17th minute when winger Taqele Naiyaravoro crossed over and shortly George Bridge also went past the line with fly-half Robert du Preez kicking a conversion and a penalty to bring the scoreline to 15-14 at half time.

As the third quarter went without a point, replacement Sione Vailanu got Tonga back into the lead with a 62nd minute try but the Baa-Baas made another strong statement through touchdowns from Jordi Murphy (68') and Andy Ellis (73').

With the final five minutes approaching, Barbarians had a lead of 27-19, though Vailanu's second try in the closing stage reduced the losing margin of Tonga to three points.