Dyer stars as Fiji beat Barbarians in thriller

John Dyer starred as Fiji clung on to beat the Barbarians 33-31 in a thriller to win the Killik Cup at Twickenham on Saturday.

Number eight Dyer scored a second-half double either side of a try from Temo Mayanavanua to put the Pacific Islanders in command.

Enele Malele and Teti Tela crossed in the first half after Mathieu Bastareaud opened the scoring with a five-pointer for the Baa-baas and Andre Esterhuizen touched down for a try that Curwin Bosch converted to leave Fiji only 14-12 up at the break.

Fiji looked to be out of sight when Dyer claimed his brace, but South Africa Rugby World Cup winner Makazole Mapimpi grabbed two tries of his own and Morne Steyn finished off a great move in a dramatic finale.

The Barbarians, coach by England boss Eddie Jones, ran out of time to complete a stunning fightback but Tendai Mtawarira was given a rousing reception in his final international when he came off after having a try disallowed.

Former Ireland captain Rory Best also came off to a great ovation during a captivating encounter.

Well done @fijirugby 

Thanks to everyone for the incredible support #Baabaas #rugby #rugbyunited #KillikCup pic.twitter.com/HrsoaPLR1u

— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) November 16, 2019

KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta