Barbarians beat NZ XV in tour opener

9:50 AM

FRENCH BARBARIANS 23 NEW ZEALAND A 21

Replacement David Aucagne landed a penalty in the seventh minute of injury time to give the French Barbarians a 23-21 win over the New Zealand Commemorative XV in Lens.

Rua Tipoki had scored a try with five minutes remaining to give the tourists a one-point lead but Aucagne's kick gave the Baa-Baas a hard-fought win.

The New Zealanders raced to a 14-3 lead with tries from centres Scott McLeod and Caleb Ralph, both converted by Ben Blair.

However the Barbarians hit back with a converted try to trail 14-10 at halftime.

The homeside scored first in the second spell and coupled with a conversion and penalty led 20-14.

Tipoki's late try, converted by Blair, put the tourists a point ahead but the Barbarians grabbed the win in a thrilling finish.

- IRN