Few matches in rugby history capture the spirit of the game quite like the Barbarians’ famous victory over New Zealand in 1973.
Played at Cardiff Arms Park on January 27, it was a contest that went far beyond the scoreline — a match that embodied the values of the Barbarians: adventure, courage, friendship, and joy.

A Meeting of Legends

The All Blacks arrived at the end of a long and demanding tour, having conquered much of Britain and Ireland. The Barbarians, as ever, were an invitational side — a gathering of some of the greatest talents in world rugby, united by a shared love of the game and a desire to entertain.

What followed that afternoon was more than a match. It was a celebration of everything rugby stands for.

The Try That Defined Rugby

Just three minutes into the game, Phil Bennett fielded a kick deep in his own half. With dazzling footwork and fearless intent, he began to dance through the defence — sidestepping once, twice, three times. The ball flowed through hands like poetry in motion: Edwards, Gibson, Duckham, Pullin, Dawes… until Gareth Edwards dived into the corner.

Cliff Morgan’s voice still echoes through time:
“Brilliant! Oh, that’s brilliant! This is Gareth Edwards — a dramatic start! What a score!”

It has been called the greatest try ever scored — and not just for its execution, but for what it represented: the freedom, flair, and friendship that define Barbarian rugby.

A Match for the Ages

The Barbarians went on to win 23–11, but the numbers hardly matter. Every player on the field contributed to something extraordinary — a spectacle that remains the benchmark for rugby played in its truest spirit.
It was rugby without fear, rugby played with imagination, and rugby played for the sheer joy of it.

That day, the Barbarians reminded the world that the game is at its best when it is shared and celebrated.

A Legacy That Lives On

More than fifty years later, the match is still spoken of with reverence. Every generation since has grown up watching the grainy footage, replaying that try, and dreaming of playing with the same freedom.

It remains a cornerstone of the Barbarians’ identity — proof that when players come together for the love of the game, something truly timeless can happen.

As Cliff Morgan so perfectly said:
“If the greatest writer of the written word would’ve written that story — no one would have believed it.”

Tickets to watch Barbarians v  AB XV on Saturday November 1: Ticketmaster

Watch to Phil Bennett talk about the famous try: