Hook inspires Wales win
James Hook scored 20 points, including a crucial try, as Wales rallied to a 30-21 victory over the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium.
Last Updated: 02/06/12 4:41pm
James Hook scored 20 points, including a crucial try, as Wales rallied to a 30-21 victory over the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium.
Wales greats Shane Williams and Martyn Williams, playing on opposing teams, said farewell to rugby in front of a 57,000-strong crowd and it was the latter who emerged on the winning side.
Hook touched down inside the last 10 minutes as well as kicking three penalties and three conversions, with Brew's even later score and a dazzling early effort from debutant Harry Robinson accounting for the rest of Wales' points.
Stephen Donald (two) and Richie Rees touched down for the Barbarians, who held the lead heading into the latter stages before letting it slip, with Bath fly-half Donald on target with all three conversions.
Despite the victory Wales will find plenty to work on over the next week, with the scrappy showing on Saturday not what they wanted just seven days before tackling Australia in Brisbane.
Robinson, full-back Liam Williams and prop Rhodri Jones all made their first appearances for Wales, while Shane Williams led the Baa-Baas out to a standing ovation.
The wing immediately found himself in defensive mode, however, as Wales went through several attacking phases that ended with Hook booting a penalty.
Lead
The Grand Slam winners extended their lead in the 11th minute when flanker Justin Tipuric grabbed turnover ball and Robinson sprinted over from 60 metres.
Hook slotted the touchline conversion before a second penalty from the Perpignan player extended the advantage to 13 points before the Baa-Baas managed to respond.
A slick move ended with lock Mick O'Driscoll sending Donald across for a try that the New Zealand World Cup winner converted, with the Barbarians given a further boost when prop Rhys Gill was sin-binned by Alain Rolland.
The Baa-Baas piled on the pressure after his departure and went ahead three minutes before half-time when fly-half Rees reacted quicker than his opposite number Lloyd Williams to cross the line, with Donald adding the extras.
Martyn Williams came off the bench to a rapturous reception six minutes into the second period as he became the third Welsh cap centurion, and Wales gained the advantage shortly afterwards as Hook slotted over his third penalty.
Donald then scored his second try midway through the half before converting to put the Barbarians 21-16 ahead, but Wales surged back ahead late on to avoid a second successive defeat against their invitational opponents.
Hook and Brew came up trumps for the World Cup semi-finalists, who made it six wins from six in 2012.
