Bennett’s future in balance as Lions face threat of whitewash
More misery. More gloom. More concern. Great Britain head to Port Moresby to face Papua New Guinea next Saturday desperate to avoid the indignity of being whitewashed in what has proved a disastrous tour.
The Lions were revived after a 12year absence but this defeat in Christchurch was their third in as many weeks and it may mean that the concept is scrapped for good.
After an opening loss to a Tonga Invitational XIII, Wayne Bennett’s side have come off second best against New Zealand in back-to-back Tests. The veteran coach has come under increased scrutiny over his squad selection, which included six half-backs but just two wingers and one specialist centre.
Bennett has been employed by the Rugby Football League as England coach for the past four years and his contract is due to expire shortly. Tasked with the role of doubling up as Great Britain coach, the 69-year-old Australian has seemingly viewed the Lions as an extension of the England side.
Kevin Sinfield, the RFL rugby director, was given plenty to ponder ahead of England’s Ashes series against Australia next year before the 2021 World Cup. Both will be held on home soil.
Asked about his future, Bennett said: “That’s a decision they’ve got to make. My contract finishes next week so we’ll see what they want to do.”
Bennett, having led England to the 2017 World Cup final and a Test series win over the Kiwis, is keen to continue.
But the squad have lacked balance and that was again reflected on the field, with Warrington stand-off Blake Austin forced to play on the wing after Ryan Hall was injured last week.
Tries from Joseph Manu and Shaun Johnson left the Lions facing a 16-2 half-time deficit. Ken Maumalo added a third before Josh Hodgson’s try gave the tourists faint hope.
Bennett added: “They played much better than we did, that’s probably the best way to sum it up.”
With Daryl Powell, the Castleford coach, and Shaun Wane, the former Wigan boss, among the candidates to succeed Bennett, Sinfield and his colleagues have a huge call to make.