British and Irish Lions winger Alex Cuthbert admits he was thrilled to grab his opportunity with both hands, after his two tries helped the Barbarians to a narrow 22-21 victory over Ireland.
As World Cup preparations got underway for Ireland at Thomond Park – with Lions stars Rob Kearney and Jamie Heaslip also featuring for the hosts – the 25-year-old staked his claim for a place in Warren Gatland’s Wales line-up with tries either side of half-time.
Cuthbert has slipped down the pecking order with Wales, with Liam Williams and fellow 2013 tourist George North impressing in the spring, but another starring performance for the BaaBaas against England on Sunday will make the Cardiff Blues star hard to ignore.
“We worked hard. Everyone knows what the BaaBaas are like and this week we gelled really well,” Cuthbert told the Irish Independent. “This was a big privilege and I had to take my chance.”
Meanwhile Barbarians skipper Shane Jennings insists the side – which also included another victorious former Lion in Adam Jones – did the famous black and white jersey proud against his Irish compatriots.
He said: “Everyone fronted up, the subs came on and fronted up and that's pretty infectious.
“It was really, really enjoyable. I was so fortunate to play against a lot of my friends from my career, and to win this game was pretty special.
“You have to represent the badge properly, and we did it tonight.
“I'm like a Cheshire cat to be honest, very happy. Hopefully the Barbarians can go out and do the same again in London on Sunday.”
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