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Pumas too good for star-studded BaaBaas

Barbarians coach Michael Cheika may have enjoyed victory with his Australia side over Argentina in a World Cup semi-final at Twickenham last month, but this time he was on the losing side against a Pumas team inspired by the brilliant Santiago Cordero. 

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The Barbarians took an early lead through a Tevita Kuridrani try, however the Pumas were soon level when No.8 Facundo Isa dived over for a try, before Nicolas Sanchez levelled the scores a conversion conversions.

Soon afterwards, Cordero dived over for Argentina's second try, with flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez adding the extras.

Another superb break saw Cordero burst free and his sublime flicked pass to Ramiro Moyano put the fullback over for another converted try. 

All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo produced an impressive burst of speed and real power through the Argentina defence to grab the Barbarians' second try. 

But within moments, Cordero was diving full-length to get the finishing touches to a wonderful Argentina break featuring scrumhalf Martin Landajo's chip as the Pumas crossed the Barbarians' line for a fourth time. 

Replacement Emiliano Boffelli had been on the pitch for just a matter of minutes before setting Landajo racing clear for the Pumas fifth try and, moments later, centre Jeronimo de la Fuente went over as well.

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South Africa legend Bakkies Botha came on to a big roar from the crowd to play his final senior game following an 85-cap career with the Springboks.

Botha partnered old friend Victor Matfield, his fellow 2007 World Cup-winning lock, in the second row for the last 15 minutes. 

Nemani Nadolo, the Fijian powerhouse who won so many new fans during his country's exploits during the World Cup, is certainly Lomu-esque with his physique.

The giant wing, who had the No.11 on the back of his shirt covered over in white in tribute to the All Blacks' hero, then scored a try of which Lomu would surely have approved by running through Boffelli's attempt at a tackle before brilliantly converting his own score.

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Sanchez went over for the Pumas before Matfield crashed over for the Barbarians.

Rather than have the conversion taken by a recognised goal-kicker, Barbarians skipper Matfield gave Botha the chance to bow out of senior rugby with the last kick of the match.

Botha ran up Jonny Wilkinson-style and the crowd roared but his kick was scuffed and bobbled short of the posts to set the seal on a hugely entertaining contest.

The scorers:

For Barbarians:

Tries: Kuridrani, Naholo, Tomane, Nadolo, Matfield

Cons: Nadolo 2, Sopoaga

For Argentina:

Tries: Cordero 2, Isa, Moyano, De la Fuente, Landajo, Sanchez

Cons: Sanchez 6, Boffelli

Teams:

Barbarians: 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder (Hurricanes/New Zealand), 14 Waisake Naholo (Highlanders/New Zealand), 13 Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies/Australia), 12 Ryan Crotty (Crusaders/New Zealand), 11 Nemani Nadolo (Crusaders/Fiji), 10 Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders/New Zealand), 9 Tawera Kerr Barlow (Chiefs/New Zealand), 8 Stephen Hoiles (Waratahs/Australia), 7 Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), 6 Scott Fardy (Brumbies/Australia), 5 Victor Matfield (Northampton/South Africa – captain), 4 Lodewyk de Jager (Cheetahs/South Africa), 3 Charlie Faumuina (Blues/New Zealand), 2 Stephen Moore (Brumbies/Australia), 1 Thomas du Toit (Sharks).

Replacements – from: James Hanson (Melbourne Rebels/Australia), Jamie Mackintosh (Chiefs/New Zealand), Toby Smith (Melbourne Rebels/Australia), Bakkies Botha (South Africa), Jarrad Butler (Brumbies), Cobus Reinach (Sharks/South Africa), Pat Lambie (Sharks/South Africa), Francois Venter (Cheetahs), Joe Tomane (Brumbies/Australia).

Argentina: 15 Ramiro Moyano, 14 Matías Moroni, 13 Jerónimo De la Fuente, 12 Santiago González Iglesias, 11 Santiago Cordero, 10 Nicolás Sánchez, 9 Martín Landajo (captain), 8 Facundo Isa, 7 Javier Ortega Desio, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Matías Alemanno, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Julián Montoya, 1 Lucas Noguera.

Replacements: 16 Santiago Iglesias Valdez, 17 Santiago García Botta, 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 19 Tomas Lezana, 20 Leonardo Senatore, 21 Felipe Ezcurra, 22 Gabriel Ascarate, 23 Emiliano Boffelli.

Referee: JP Doyle (England)

Assistant referees: Tim Wigglesworth (England), Paul Dix (England)

TMO: David Sainsbury (England)

Source:  Agence France-Presse

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