 The Blues contingent of Andy Powell, Jamie Roberts and Leigh Halfpenny
Jamie Roberts says the Blues' decision to release three players for the Barbarians' 25-18 win over New Zealand at Twickenham will benefit the region. Roberts was the only British player to start for the invitational side, with Blues team-mates Leigh Halfpenny and Andy Powell coming off the bench. "The Blues released the three of us and I'm sure not many clubs in Britain would do that," said the 23-year-old. "It's been one of the best weeks of my life. It's been amazing." The much-loved Barbarians - a unique rugby club, with no natural home, membership by invitation only and a philosophy based on adventure and attack - are something of an anomaly in the professional era. Video - Habana's breakaway try for Baa-Baas Their games attract huge interest, but the match meant that the Blues trio missed Sunday's must-win bottom-of-the-table Magners League clash between the Blues and Connacht, the Cardiff-based side emerging as 21-9 winners. The Baa-Baas side was dominated by southern hemisphere players, the starting XV boasting six Springboks and 925 caps. British and Irish Lions man-of-the-series Roberts says that the Blues' decision to allow him to mix in that company could have longer-term benefits for the region. "Playing with guys who are that skilful is only going to improve my game individually," said the 23-year-old, who fired back to form in the match after a disappointing autumn Test campaign with Wales. "Hopefully it will improve my range of skills. You pick things up from other players and I'll go back to Cardiff a better player with more confidence - you can only achieve so much in training.  Roberts fired back to form after a disappointing autumn |
"Not many clubs in Britain would have released us, especially with the Heineken Cup coming up. "It was a bit surreal and strange playing with the Springboks after what happened with the Lions, but rugby's a game where you can do that." Roberts says that Saturday's victory - just the second for the Baa-Baas over the All Blacks - meant everything to his father, who missed the unforgettable 23-11 victory in Cardiff in 1973. "My Dad told me before I joined up with the Barbarians that he had a ticket for the 1973 game but couldn't go to it because of work commitments," he said. "It's his greatest regret in rugby not going to a match that has been labelled the best ever game. "Hopefully I've done him some justice with this win.  | 606: DEBATE |
"He wished me well before the match and I'm really chuffed to be part of this. "We watched the 1973 match and had a meeting with a couple of old Barbarians on Friday night - Derek Quinnell was one of those there. "He was involved in that try by Gareth Edwards so it was a privilege to meet him. "There were some pretty special tries in that match and we've now added to that collection." Highlights - Habana tries help Barbarians beat All Blacks
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