Springboks score 2 late tries to draw with Baa-baas 31-31

By Associated Press 06 November 2016, 12:00AM

LONDON (AP) — South Africa scored two tries in the final eight minutes to snatch a 31-31 draw against the Barbarians at Wembley Stadium and avoid another demoralizing loss for under-pressure coach Allister Coetzee on Saturday.

The Baa-baas, made up entirely of Super Rugby players from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, looked like earning a third straight win over the Springboks when they led 31-19 into the 72nd after the second of replacement Luke Morahan's two tries.

To the credit of South Africa, which included nine newcomers in the non-cap match, it bounced back. Winger Jamba Ulengo, making his debut, made two great runs to set up tries for debutant centers Francois Venter and Rohan Janse van Rensburg. Pat Lambie, captain for the first time, missed the last conversion from the right touchline that could have won a thrilling game.

Morahan almost won it for the Baa-baas in injury time but had the ball jolted from him on the South Africa tryline.

The Springboks have endured a tough year, losing five of their last nine tests — most recently a record 57-15 thrashing by New Zealand in Durban.

They play England at Twickenham next weekend.

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Barbarians 31 (Luke Morahan 2, Melani Nanai, Taqele Naiyaravovo, Andy Ellis tries; Richie Mounga 2 conversions, Robert du Preez conversion), South Africa 31 (Pieter-Steph du Toit, Roelof Smit, Sergeal Petersen, Francois Venter, Rohan Janse van Rensburg tries; Pat Lambie 3 conversions). HT: 17-12

By Associated Press 06 November 2016, 12:00AM
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