Benny ‘would not have been laughing’

SIR Clive Woodward has launched a scathing blast at England and says Phil Bennett wouldn’t have been laughing at the ‘farce’ that unfolded against the Barbarians.

England lock George Kruis, who was playing for the famous club in his final match before retiring, converted three tries in the 52-21 thrashing of Eddie Jones’ side as part of his farewell. One of those was a backheeled effort, which has seemingly annoyed the 2003 World Cup-winning coach. Woodward, who has been critical of England’s summer matches against the Barbarians in the past, claimed the Barbarians and Kruis had turned the game into a farce adding that he believed the late Bennett, who sadly passed away last week at the age of 73, would not have been impressed.

Writing in his Daily Mail column, Woodward said: “I have given myself 48 hours to reflect on the Barbarians game to ensure I was not over-reacting, but England really should have taken the law into their own hands when the visitors turned the match into a farce.

“I was disappointed with George Kruis for allowing it to happen, especially his antics around his backheel conversion.

“I cannot imagine Phil Bennett laughing at that.”

However, as well as a running performance befitting the former Wales and Llanelli flyhalf’s cavalier approach to rugby, the Barbarians paid fitting tribute to Bennett off the pitch. As a minute’s applause was observed by the crowd, players representing the famous club formed the shape of a 10 on the pitch in honour of Bennett.

Former World Cup winning boss Woodward also used his column to hit out at the way England are currently being run.