Inexperienced England XV beat Barbarians 51-43 at Twickenham Stadium

England XV 51-43 Barbarians, Twickenham Stadium

Alex Dombrandt scored double while Marcus Smith contributed with 26 points as an inexperienced England XV went on to beat Barbarians 51-43 at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday.

England coach Eddie Jones detached himself from the encounter with Northampton Saints head coach Jim Mallinder taking in charge. The matchday squad had only Teimana Harrison to have played a full international yet shocked Barbarians.

Winger Josh Bassett darted into the corner in the 10th minute to begin the proceedings for England and Smith converted it to take them to 7-0. Barbarians hit back with back to back tries from James Horwill (16') and Francois Louw (24') but Simon Hammersley helped England restore the lead with a 32nd minute try.

As the half-time was approaching, England claimed control of the game with a converted try from Smith in the 37th minute followed by a touchdown from Dombrandt as they went into the break with a 31-12 lead.

The start of the second half was no different with Johnny Williams dotting down in the 57th minute with Smith's conversion making 38-12. Pat Lam's men did not relent under pressure and stepped up their gears with tries from Mark Atkinson (55' and 61'), Rhodri Williams (56') and Dave Heffernan (67') bringing the gap down to 41-38.

Smith with a penalty kick in the 72nd minute stretched England's lead to six points and two minutes later Dombrandt crossed whitewash as England stretched their lead to 51-38 and it proved just enough despite Taqele Naiyaravoro's late try in the 80th minute.

FULL-TIME: 43-51

Well done @EnglandRugby ?????????????? on a great victory ??

Thoroughly deserved & go well in Japan ??

Thanks to everyone for their support ??#Baabaas #rugby #rugbyunited #ENGvBAR ?? pic.twitter.com/ODg4J4zvEy

— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) June 2, 2019