- Wales secured a 49-26 win over Barbarians that allowed greats to bid farewell
- Leigh Halfpenny and Justin Tipuric performed for final time in thrilling Cardiff conflict
- Alun Wyn Jones signed off with a attempt to man of the match for the Barbarians
This was a celebration for Welsh greats Alun Wyn Jones, Leigh Halfpenny and Justin Tipuric as all of them turned out for a remaining time at worldwide degree in entrance of their adoring public.
However the pre-match revelation that Fiji lock Api Ratuniyarawa – who had resulting from be on the bench for the Barbarians at Principality Stadium – had appeared in Cardiff Magistrates’ Court docket charged with three separate counts of sexual assault made for grim information.
Ratuniyarawa has been charged with penetrating two girls together with his finger and touching the breast and physique of a 3rd lady in a Cardiff nightclub final week.
‘As quickly as we had been contacted by South Wales Police we co-operated totally, helping them with their enquiries,’ the Barbarians mentioned in a press release.’On their recommendation we will not remark any additional because the investigation is ongoing.’
Barbarians coaches Eddie Jones and Scott Robertson did not entrance the media post-match. Ratuniyarawa, 37, denies the fees. He has been bailed and can return to Cardiff Crown Court docket on December 4. His arrest added one other layer of controversy to what was already a disputed recreation.
Alun Wyn Jones and Leigh Halfpenny bid farewell in fashion in a memorable Wales win over Barbarians
Former Wales captain Jones signed off with a strive as his Barbarians facet had been overwhelmed 49-26
Api Ratuniyarawa was lacking after being charged with sexual assault and attended magistrates courtroom on the identical day he was scheduled to end up for the Barbarians
The actual fact this match even happened in any respect angered many given it happened only a week after the World Cup remaining and on the identical day as Wales’ areas had been in home motion.
Ratuniyarawa, sadly, added to the negativity. However that should not take something away from the feats of Alun Wyn Jones, Tipuric and Halfpenny who’ve all had wonderful Check careers.
In the long run, it was Halfpenny and Wales who got here out on prime in what was an uncapped Check.
Halfpenny ended with a 100 per cent success fee from the kicking tee in a Welsh win that noticed Warren Gatland’s facet rating seven tries. Halfpenny was given a standing ovation when he went off.
Wales’ opening strive got here by means of Dewi Lake after George North (pictured)’s clear break
Halfpenny loved 5 conversions on his farwell to exit for his nation in fashion
‘To attain 49 factors means you have to be comfortable,’ mentioned Wales head coach Gatland. ‘We talked about leaving Leigh on for 80 minutes however we acquired the chance to deliver him off.’
‘The reception he acquired from the gang was a testomony to him as a participant and particular person. For these three gamers to have that recreation was extremely particular.’
Alun Wyn Jones, who scored for the Barbarians, was named man of the match as – like Halfpenny and Tipuric – he bid farewell to Check rugby.
‘I need to thank the gang who’ve come right here for 18 years by means of the great instances and the dangerous,’ he mentioned. ‘The person of the match was a little bit of tokenism. I am going to take it gracefully.’
Halfpenny, who has been a famous person full-back for Wales for 15 years, led the groups out in entrance of a good crowd of 53,271.
Alun Wyn Jones and Tipuric adopted their former team-mate, this time taking part in towards the nation of their beginning within the well-known black and white shirts. Each had been accompanied by their kids.
Justin Tipuric additionally performed for the ultimate time, with Kieran Hardy (R) scoring a brace
Jones was named man of the match – seemingly an excuse for him to be rightly applauded for the final time
It was becoming Halfpenny produced an ideal kicking file given in his remaining Wales recreation given his exceptional accuracy from the tee has been one of many defining traits of his profession.
Welsh tries got here from Dewi Lake, Tom Rogers, Sam Costelow, Taine Plumtree and Aaron Wainwright earlier than Kieran Hardy added gloss to the rating with a late brace. Simione Kuruvoli crossed twice for the Barbarians earlier than Alun Wyn Jones grabbed the most well-liked strive of the afternoon.
Tom Hooper’s effort was a late comfort earlier than Hardy go to work.
Having mentioned goodbye to a bunch of retiring greats at this fixture, Wales now should look to the long run. The Six Nations might be robust, however Gatland stays optimistic. George North, who had a wonderful World Cup and one other recreation right here, is one cause for Welsh positivity.
