George North scored two tries for the Barbarians in his final match against Wales before retiring Rugby Union News

George North scored two tries for the Barbarians in his final appearance before retirement as Wales beat the invitational side 33-31 at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.

North came off the bench in the second half to rave reviews as Wales brought down the curtain on an illustrious career against the great country that saw him score 47 tries in 121 caps.

North’s first touch was a familiar one as the giant wing took Harry Plummer’s pass and weaved his way through two defenders to score.

After being whitewashed for the second time, North had the last say as he converted Santiago Arata’s score with the final performance of the match.

This is the first time Wales have won back-to-back matches since the 2023 World Cup.

After beating Italy in March to end a three-year wait for a Six Nations win, Wales will go into the upcoming inaugural Nations Championship with increased confidence, especially as they were without their English and French-based players.

Fly-half Dan Edwards contributed 14 points with two tries and a couple of conversions, while Kieran Hardy, Reuben Morgan-Williams and Ellis Meo also crossed. Sam Costello added two conversions.

The Barbarians replied with Vincent Koch and Alex Nankivell as well as Northern interventions.

Wales were without 13 players on the English and French club books as the match fell outside World Rugby’s official window, but forwards Teddy Williams and Jack Morgan were both available after long-term injuries.

British and Irish Lions flanker Morgan has not worn Wales colors since dislocating his shoulder while scoring against Argentina in November.

Wales were out of the blocks on a blustery afternoon in south-west London and Hardy snipped over for a try that Edwards converted in the fifth minute.

The Barbarians responded quickly as South Africa’s prop coach touched down under a pile of bodies, but Plummer’s conversion effort hit a post and the players were soon grateful for the first hydration break.

Taine Plumtree’s line-out set up a Wales attack which saw the impressive Aaron Wainwright hold on to a post, but Hardy’s long pass set up an easy score for Edwards which he added.

Wainwright should have benefited from Dewey Lake’s midfield break, but Hooker’s poor passing cost the No.8 team and the Barbarians defense recovered.

Wales kept the scoreboard ticking as Hardy found a huge hole in the Barbarian defense and Edwards collected the kick for his second try.

Replacement scrum-half Morgan-Williams made his mark with a show-and-go try, but Nankivell’s quick-fire score for Bass made it 26-17 on the hour.

Mee went over for Wales’ fifth try while North scored the final points of the match with a second try and a conversion to cap a fitting end to his illustrious career.