Deans wanted better finish for Thorn

Barbarians rugby coach Robbie Deans says the side’s heaviest defeat was a harsh way to farewell former All Black lock Brad Thorn.

For Deans, the 73-12 thrashing the tourists took at the hands of an England side made up of fringe players, was a shock, but he said it was always on the cards from the moment they had to play two games in three days.

The former Wallabies and Crusaders coach was powerless as his side was torn apart in a pain- ful, emphatic fashion by an impressive bunch of World Cup wannabes who thrilled the home crowd at Twickenham with a tentry display.

There was little for Deans and the Barbarians to salvage from such an embarrassing defeat. Captain Thorn played the final game of his career at the age of 40 before taking up a coaching role with Queensland Reds. Thorn scored a try but was also sin binned at the end for a tip tackle on England replacement prop Alex Waller.

Deans said the lock was unlucky to have to walk off the park for the final time with nothing but a wry smile on his face. ‘‘It was harsh on Brad because he certainly didn’t deserve to finish such an illustrious career like that. He played very well.’’

The Barbarians’ heaviest defeat before the England clash was a 59-8 loss to the British and Irish Lions in Hong Kong in 2013.

No 10Danny Cipriani, who is third choice behind George Ford and Owen Farrell, went over for two tries and his 33-point personal haul was the highest by any England individual against the Barbarians.

Having beaten Ireland two days earlier, Deans felt it was one challenge too many.

‘‘Two games in four days against teams with players chasing World Cup spots has to be very challenging.’’