Apathy rules at Twickenham
ENGLAND 35 BARBARIANS 26
AS PREPARATION for what awaits in Australia and New Zealand, last night’s England victory over the
Barbarians was about as much use as an intensive training session.
Neither was the rugby itself particularly intensive, first from the Baa-Baas and then in an England display which deteriorated as it went along. No wonder no caps are awarded.
“We showed character to grind out the win when we had to,” said acting England captain Nick Easter. It was less than a recommendation and, on top of that, two of the Barbarian tries were scored by England discard Paul Sackey.
At a half-full Twickenham, the Barbarians looked for too long as if this was an end-of-season jolly and, as
their defensive apathy amply demonstrated, that was exactly what it was for at least 40 minutes. To make
the point, three of England’s four tries – the ones by James Haskell, Shontayne Hape and Mike Tindall – owed most to half-hearted tackling, while Steve Thompson’s forward pass led to the other by Ben Foden.
Still, it was an agreeable pay-day for the invitational players and also, even with 41,035 in an 82,000-seater
stadium, the RFU. Sackey scored the Baa- Baas’ first-half try and, after they had pulled themselves together in the second half, there was another for New Zealander David Smith as England’s previous momentum came to a halt.
Census Johnston and Sackey added another two Barbarian tries as England conceded 19 points until, roundly booed, Olly Barkley, ensured an unsatisfactory victory with a last-kick penalty.