5 players that impressed tonight

5 players that impressed tonight

Robert du Preez

The South African out-half was incredible tonight for the Barbarians. He put on a truly incredible kicking display recording 100% kicking success rate from the tee, including a beautifully taken drop goal from the touchline. This man of the match performance will surely have caught the attention of the Springbok selectors and he is definitely one to watch for the future.

Robin Copeland

 
Copeland made a huge statement for a starting place in his encounter against the Maori All Blacks. The no. 8 was an ever present threat at the breakdown, earning numerous turnovers for his side. Copeland also displayed an impressive feat of strength, with the Maori All Blacks struggling to bring the big ball carrier to the ground whenever he was in possession. The Munster man picked up the Man of the Match award for his superb performance.

Armand van der Merwe

The South African hooker was exemplary tonight. He consistently threw well into the lineout, he carried powerfully, and he was a menace at the breakdown throughout. Time and time again he got in over the ball and stole possession from the Fijians. He capped off this wonderful performance with two tries, one from a rolling maul, the other a fantastic try resulting in some incredibly strong work from the big Naiyaravoro. He was definitely a contender for man of the match tonight.

Ian Keatley
 

After receiving a lot of criticism for recent performances, Keatley proved why he deserves to be in this Munster side after controlling the tempo in their fixture against the Maori All Blacks. The outhalf provided the platform for his side to play at a blistering tempo, which ultimately led to Munster's victory. Keatley was not afraid to send the ball into the corner when the opportunity arose and it certainly paid its dividends for the outhalf, with his pack barreling over for the opening try thanks to his kicking.

Andy Ellis

The veteran scrum-half put in another typical outstanding performance for the Barbarians tonight. He marshalled his backline very well, kicked when he needed to and showed his intelligence and still present turn of pace to snipe at the breakdown and crash over for a try. It was a joy to watch the much loved All Black play this game with a smile on his face, showing his undying love for the game. His efforts were rewarded with a well take try late in the first half.

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