Barbarians take the lead in 2010 PRC Race

The Fiji Barbarians have continued their impressive start to the 2010 IRB Pacific Rugby Cup to remain undefeated after accounting for the Tau'uta Reds 43-30 in an entertaining game in Lautoka this afternoon.

The Barbarians lead from start to finish, but had Red's fullback Tatafu Na'aniumotu not dropped the ball over the try line midway through the second half it could well have been a different story.  As it was, the Barbarians responded almost immediately with a try to tireless hooker Aseri  Buli to make the Reds error a 12 point mistake and present the turning point of the match.

While it is the Reds second loss for the competition, the Tongans would still consider themselves a chance, having played the two competition leaders to date. Their backline in particular is impressive and winger Atelena Okati looks especially dangerous and would be doing his chances of a National call-up no harm at all. For the Barbarians, their win was anchored on the back of an increasingly dominant scrum which is technically sound and noticeably mobile. The backline too is impressive and in particular the centre pairing of William Saukuru and Joe Nasilasila.

On the back of today's game it is fair to say that both these teams will provide some of the feature highlights of the 2010 Pacific Rugby Cup.
 

A try to flanker Waqabaca Kotobalavu, converted by Jaoji Dakuvula gave the Barbarians an early 7-0 lead.

The hero from their first round win over the Warriors, prop Vesi Rarawa, was on hand to score the second try of the match, after the Barbarians forced a turnover in the Reds 22, and spun it wide to Rawara who was prowling on the right flank. Barbarians 12-0.

The Reds opened their account with a penalty to Uate Tupou. 12-3 to the Barbarians.

The Reds closed the gap with a try to centre Charles Mateo off a well-executed move off the scrum bringing the score back to 12-8. Conversion missed.

A try to Barbarians second-rower Alekisanita Taka, not converted, gave the Barbarians a 17-8 lead.

The Reds responded almost immediately, choosing a tap instead of a penalty on half time ñ their confidence was rewarded with a try to flyer Atelena Okati. Converted by Uate Tupou.

At half time both teams headed to the change rooms with the Barbarians holding on to a slender 17-15 teams.

A converted try to Barbarians halfback Kelemedi Bola after a period of sustained pressure extended the Barbarian's lead to 24-15 and open the scoring in the second half. The try was scored on the back of an increasingly dominant Barbarians scrum and after 2 five metre scrums, the Barbarians were able to capitalise and bring up the bonus point.

Penalty to Reds fullback Fakalulu Taumalolo shortly afterwards brought them back within a converted try - 24-18 with 21 minutes to go.

Only a few minutes later, the Reds cruelled themselves of a chance to take the lead for the first time in the match when winger Tatafu Na'aniumotu dropped the ball over the line (and under the posts) after a brilliant, but ultimately fruitless, solo effort, weaving through the Barbarians defence.

The Barbarians capitalised on the Reds error only a few minutes later after hooker Aseri Buli crashed over in the left corner to finish off an excellent 60 metre insurgence from a rampant Barbarians backline.

Refusing to lie down, the Reds responded immediately with Na'aniumotu partially redeeming his earlier mistake, this time touching down and this time content with where he crossed the line. The try converted by Taumalolo again brought the Reds within striking distance, 25-29 with 8 minutes to go.

Buli featured in the next try by the Barbarians, popping up a beautiful ball to #8 Adriu Durutalo who crashed over in the right corner to give the Fijians some breathing space and a 36-25 lead.

Replacement back rower Josese Nabolabasaga scored the Barbarians next try after a sterling break from impressive outside centre Joe Nasilasila to give the Barbarians an unassailable 43-25 lead after the try was converted.

Reds fullback Na'aniumotu crossed for his second shortly after to give the Reds a valuable bonus point right on full time. Final score 43-30 to the Barbarians.