Wales kicked off their summer campaign with a narrow 33-31 victory over the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. Tries from Kieran Hardy, Dan Edwards (two), Reuben Morgan-Williams, and Ellis Mee, along with a combined eight points from the boots of Edwards and Sam Costelow, sealed the win. Barbarians legend George North scored twice, with Vincent Koch, Alex Nankivell, and Santiago Arata also crossing the line.
Full-back Blair Murray Shines After Tough Start
Blair Murray (7) had a difficult first half but improved significantly as the game progressed. The diminutive Scarlets full-back made a crucial try-saving tackle on Jeremy Ward late in the first half. After the break, he cut the Barbarians open in broken play on several occasions and was denied an excellent try by the bounce of the ball.
Wing Tom Rogers Struggles Under High Ball
Tom Rogers (5) struggled under the high ball and was too erratic, making numerous errors. While he looked threatening with ball in hand at times, he found it hard to get into the game.
Centres Eddie James and Joe Hawkins Show Promise
Eddie James (6) had a few strong carries and ran nice angles from first phase, but it was a quiet game by his standards. He saved a try by getting his body underneath Nathan Hughes. Joe Hawkins (6) was a threat with ball in hand, making a clean break that set up Dan Edwards' try. However, he fell off a couple of tackles in the first half.
Ellis Mee Scores but Misses Chance to Stop North
Ellis Mee (6) struggled to get into the game in the first half and was a bit loose at times, but he was decent under the high ball. Both Mee and Dan Edwards will be disappointed they couldn't stop George North out wide. Mee did well to claim Wales' fifth try and also had one chalked off.
Dan Edwards Impresses with Two Tries
Dan Edwards (7) was a threat with ball in hand throughout, scoring two tries. The Ospreys man kicked well out of hand and opened up the Barbarians defence on multiple occasions. However, he will be disappointed not to have done better to stop George North's try.
Scrum-half Kieran Hardy Stars with Try and Assists
Kieran Hardy (8) made the perfect start, sniping over from short range for a try after just four minutes. His service was sharp, and his pass put Dan Edwards over for Wales' second try. Hardy's vision and perfectly weighted kick behind the Barbarians defence also set up Edwards' second try.
Number 8 Aaron Wainwright Named Star Man
Aaron Wainwright (8) was named star man for his powerful carries that got his side over the gainline. His charge forward allowed Edwards to score his first try, and he made two clean line breaks. Wainwright was Wales' best player yet again.
Flanker Jac Morgan Works Hard in Defence
Jac Morgan (7) may not have been as prominent as expected, but he put in a lot of hard work, finishing as joint-top tackler with 21, though he missed two in the first half. He carried well and was strong at the breakdown.
Back-rower Taine Plumtree Shows Athleticism
Taine Plumtree (7) showcased his athleticism and X-factor with ball in hand, bursting through the Barbarians defence from inside his own half to the opposition 22. He was always a threat and extremely effective at the lineout, though at times he lacks accuracy.
Locks Teddy Williams and Ben Carter Deliver Workmanlike Performances
Teddy Williams (7) delivered a workmanlike performance in his first game since dislocating his foot last October, making 10 tackles and six carries while being effective at the lineout. Ben Carter (7) also put in a workmanlike shift, finishing as joint-top tackler with 21, but missed one on Yoan Tanga that led to a try. Wales' lineout operated far more efficiently with Carter calling it.
Prop Dillon Lewis Struggles at Scrum but Bounces Back
Dillon Lewis (6) struggled at the scrum against Georgian powerhouse Giorgi Kharaishvili but improved as the first half wore on and won a scrum penalty. The Dragons tighthead was busy around the park with five tackles and added a jackal threat.
Hooker Dewi Lake Leads from the Front
Dewi Lake (8) carried well, making significant post-contact metres through his eight carries to get his side over the gainline. He was also effective at the breakdown, and the lineout ran smoothly.
Prop Gareth Thomas Finds Scrum Difficult
Gareth Thomas (6) found it difficult at the scrum in the first half, getting penalised twice. He worked hard around the park with one neat tip-on pass that sent Dewi Lake charging through a gap.
Replacements Make Impact, Especially Rhys Barratt
Ryan Elias (6) carried well upon entering the fray and found his man at the lineout. Rhys Barratt (8) made a big impact on his Wales debut with a couple of powerful carries and one clean line break. Ben Warren (6) locked out the scrum and went well around the park. Ryan Woodman (6) got through a lot of work. Harrison Keddie (6) made three carries and eight tackles on his long-awaited senior debut. Reuben Morgan-Williams (7) sliced open the Barbarians defence to score soon after replacing Kieran Hardy. Sam Costelow (6) looked assured with ball in hand and through his kicking game. Mason Grady (6) made some headway with ball in hand but cost Wales a try after taking out a Barbarians player off the ball.
