14-man Barbarians humiliate England ahead of Australia tour

The Barbarians inflicted a crushing 52-21 defeat upon England at Twickenham on Sunday despite playing more than half the match a man down after Will Skelton was sent off.

Skelton became the first player in the history of the Barbarians to see red when the Australia lock was dismissed for a shoulder charge to the head of prop Patrick Schickerling that also ended the Exeter front-row's match when he failed a head injury assessment.

Nevertheless, a Barbarians side comprised mainly of French players and coached by Fabien Galthie, who guided France to a Six Nations Grand Slam this season, still scored eight tries.

France star Damian Penaud crossed twice, with Baptiste Couilloud, Louis Carbonel, Max Spring and Antoine Hastoy also on the scoresheet.

Not even the appearance of scrumhalf Danny Care, making his first England outing in nearly four years when he came on as a third-quarter replacement, could turn the tide.

England were without several first-choice players for what is, by tradition, a non-cap international following Saturday's Premiership final between Leicester and Saracens.

Even so, it was still a lacklustre showing ahead of England's tour of Australia next month, with coach Eddie Jones due to unveil his squad for the three-Test series against the Wallabies on Monday.

Such was the Barbarians dominance that former England lock George Kruis, in his final match before retirement, kicked three conversions including an outrageous backheel.

What a day - Thanks to you all for your support ?? #ENGvBAR #Baabaas #rugby pic.twitter.com/yML6McSWX4

Bennett tribute

Before kick-off, the Barbarians formed the No 10 as a mark of respect for former Wales fly-half Phil Bennett, whose death at the age of 73 was announced last Sunday.

Players and