■ENGLAND
Baa Baas earn victory
Wallaby flanker Rocky Elsom scored a try to help Martin Corry and Josh Lewsey say farewell to Twickenham as members of a Barbarians side that beat England 33-26 on Saturday. England veterans Corry and Lewsey were appearing for a star-studded team which also included seven ex-All Blacks and Elsom, the hero of Leinster’s European Cup final victory over Leicester last weekend. Martin Johnson’s side, who next week face Argentina in the first of two Tests, conceded five tries with former England wing Iain Balshaw crossing twice. World Cup winning duo Corry and Lewsey, who are both calling time on their professional careers, were both involved as the Barbarians went 14-0 ahead thanks to tries from Balshaw and Kiwi Chris Jack. Ben Foden, one of six players making their first England start, scored a try to cut the Barbarians’ interval lead to 14-5. Elsom, Balshaw for a second time, and Gordon D’Arcy all crossed England’s line before Jordan Turner-Hall, Tom May and Matt Banahan scored for England as the Barbarians’ fitness started to fade in the closing stages. England avoided a record defeat against the Barbarians thanks to a late treble of ‘kick-tries’ created by the boot of fly-half Andy Goode.
■SOUTH AFRICA
Treu’s team take title
South Africa won the IRB Sevens World Series title for the first time on the opening day of the Edinburgh Sevens at Murrayfield on Saturday. They came into the tournament 20 points clear of England in the race for the overall title and that meant Paul Treu’s team needed just one more point in the Scottish capital to be assured of the title. South Africa guaranteed themselves at least four points in Edinburgh after reaching the quarter-finals following Group A wins over France, the US and New Zealand. There was further African success in Group C where Kenya added to their status as an emerging force in Sevens by beating both hosts Scotland and England.
■WALES
Biggar racks up points
Dan Biggar accounted for 22 points and Jonathan Davies made an impressive debut on Saturday to help Wales subdue hosts Canada 23-32. Two penalties from James Pritchard put Canada ahead early in front of 8,450 fans at York University Stadium. Chris Czekaj then capitalized on a lapse in defense by Canada to score a try and Biggar’s conversion put Wales ahead. Another penalty from Biggar stretched the lead, then he and Pritchard exchanged penalties as Wales led 9-16 at the interval. Canada pressed early in the second half, as Ed Fairhust sent Sean Duke clear for a try and Pritchard’s conversion knotted the score at 16-16. Tom James responded with a try for Wales, and Biggar’s conversion and two penalties gave the tourists a 13-point advantage. Canada clawed back with a try from Fairhurst and Pritchard converted to narrow the gap to 23-29. Biggar converted a penalty for the final score.
■NEW ZEALAND
Muliaina named skipper
Mils Muliaina was named yesterday as captain of a 26-man Blacks rugby squad which contains three new caps to play Tests against France and Italy this month. Canterbury Crusaders lock Isaac Ross and prop Wyatt Crocket, along with Waikato Chiefs flanker Tanerau Latimer are the new All Blacks. Muliaina takes over the captaincy from Richie McCaw, who has a knee injury. Also not considered because of injury were Rodney So’oialo, Scott Waldrom, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Anthony Boric, Andy Ellis, Corey Flynn and Dan Carter.
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