England v Baa Baas Match Review & Photos

RWC Winners -England
By Kath 23/12/03
December 23 2003

England invitational 15 took on the New Zealand Barbarians at Twickenham and won quite comfortably. This England side was full of new up and coming players all of whom grasped the challenge with relish.

England v New Zealand Baa Baas - Match Review  20/12/03

Well everyone thought this match was a swiz for the paying fans, as it had been described in the media when it was first announced that the England Rugby World Cup Squad would be playing.

But on the day it was a fast and furious running game, one in which the up and coming England players jumped at the chance to show England's Head Coach Clive Woodward what they were about!

Players like Matt Stevens, Andy Titterrall, Andy Sheridan and Hugh Vyvyan stood out along side the seasoned players.  Jason Robinson was just mesmeric ( to coin Barnsey's phrase) - but he was!  Ben seemed back to his best and James Simpson Daniel is knocking on that door again.

The match was a wonderful display of fast running rugby and at one point it was going back and forth so much I felt quite sea-sick but England dominated in the second half and what is truly the most satisfying thing about this match, is the fact that once again it showed England's strength in depth of talent within this country. 

The New Zealand Baa Baas had some outstanding talent on the Twickenham pitch that day and the way our new boys stood up to be counted was amazing. 

Some Rugby World Cup stars who are still celebrating may need to take heed and fast at the 6n is only weeks away and if they want to feature in that tournament they now need to knuckle down and get back to match fitness as some have missed weeks now of not playing.

Final Score England 42 v New Zealand Baa Baas  17

As it is Christmas have attached photos for your pleasure:-