Epeli Momo hat-trick not enough as Barbarians beat Flying Fijians 45-32

Epeli Momo’s hat-trick could not help the Fiji Water Flying Fijians as they went down 45-32 to the Barbarians FC this morning in Twickenham.

It was also the best sendoff that All Blacks legend Sam Whitelock could get as he put in an excellent shift and showed little signs of slowing down, which has led to many fans discussing whether he could continue playing at the highest level.

Whitelock’s partnership at lock with England international David Ribbans caught the eye at Twickenham.

Barbarians’ Lachlan Boshier, Jonny May and Leicester Fainga’anuku scored doubles while Zach Mercer also crossed the chalk.

The star-studded selection was pushed hard by Fiji, with Epeli Momo claiming a hat-trick of tries and Kemueli Valentini contributing 10 points, including adding the extras to his own second-half score.

Fly-half Caleb Muntz kicked the Flying Fijians other seven points, while Barbarians full-back Fihaki landed four of his five conversion attempts before Japan hooker Shota Horie slotted the final two points of an entertaining contest.

Indeed, Fiji head coach Mick Byrne and his players will take a great deal from this narrow loss ahead of their upcoming Tests against Georgia on July 5th and the All Blacks on July 19th.