The Australian Barbarians have defeated Heartland XV 38-32 in Levin, New Zealand in the first match of the sides two match series. The ‘Baa Baa’s’, a side made up of the best non contracted players from this year’s National Rugby Championships, ran in six tries in the tight victory and led for most of the match. The visitors scored three first half tries to claim a 19-17 lead over the New Zealand invitational side, with Greater Sydney Rams backs Larry Hermans and Paul Asquith and NSW Country Eagles hooker Ryan Dalziel crossing before the break. Heartland took the lead for the first time in the match early in the second half, but the Barbarians hit back through Rams halfback Dewet Roo and reduced the deficit to just one point midway through the second stanza. The home side scored their fourth try of the afternoon just five minutes later to take back the lead, however the Barbarians proved too strong in the closing stages, as Larry Hermans crossed for his second try before Br