Robert du Preez scored seven crucial points as the Barbarians beat Tonga 27-24 at Thomond Park in Limerick.

Tonga started brightly as they raced out to a 14-0 lead, but the Barbarians scored 15 answered points for a slender one-point lead at the break.

George Bridge and Taqele Naiyaravoro scored a try each, with Du Preez succeeding with one conversion. The Sharks-bound flyhalf then stepped up just before half-time to slot a penalty.

Tonga’s replacement flank Sione Vailanu dotted down twice in the second half, but both conversions were skewed.

Jordi Murphy and Andy Ellis scored for the Baa-Baas and Du Preez landed one more conversion to win the game for his team.

Barbarians – Tries: Taqele Naiyaravoro, George Bridge, Jordi Murphy, Andy Ellis. Conversions: Robert du Preez (2). Penalty: Du Preez.
Tonga – Tries: Afa Pakalani, Fotu Lokotui, Sione Vailanu (2). Conversions: Sonatane Takulua (2).

Barbarians – 15 George Bridge, 14 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 13 Richard Buckman, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Vince Aso, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Nic Stirzaker, 8 Willie Britz, 7 Simone Favaro, 6 Jordi Murphy, 5 Quinn Roux, 4 Geoff Parling (c), 3 Brian Scott, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 James Cronin.
Subs: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Jacques van Rooyen, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Donncha O’Callaghan, 20 John Muldoon, 21 Andy Ellis, 22 David Smith, 23 Sam Carter.

Tonga – 15 Afa Pakalani, 14 David Halaifonua, 13 Nafi Tu’itavake, 12 Tevita Taufu’i, 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 Kalione Hala, 9 Sonatane Takulua, 8 Maama Vaipulu, 7 Fotu Lokotui, 6 Dan Faleafa, 5 Steve Mafi, 4 Leva Fifita, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Sione Lea, 1 Paea Fa’anunu.
Subs: 16 Maile Ngauamo, 17 Latu Talakai, 18 Halani Aulika, 19 OneHunga Kaufisi, 20 Sione Vailanu, 21 Suke Tuumotooa, 22 Fetuli Paea, 23 Penikolo Latu.

Photo: Getty Images