Ken Borland

Eighthman Thomas Waldrom and wing Christian Wade crossed for five tries between them, but it was not one-way traffic for England in their 54-26 (halftime 25-14) victory over the Southern Barbarians in Kimberley on Wednesday.

Waldrom scored tries in the 18th and 50th minutes in a powerhouse display, while Wade showed tremendous pace and finishing ability in scoring well-taken tries in the 20th, 63rd and 81st minutes. England’s other tries were scored by wing George Lowe, lock Graham Kitchener and scrumhalf Danny Care.

But England were hesitant in defence and conceded four tries to the Southern Barbarians, a team made up of non-SuperRugby players.

Flyhalf Charlie Hodgson had a mixed afternoon with the boot, only succeeding with six of his 10 shots at goal.

England scored three tries in five minutes between the 18th and 23rd minutes to take a 25-7 lead, but were only able to add five more tries in the second half, with the half-century only coming up thanks to two tries in the last four minutes.

Waldrom produced a top-class, combative performance against a plucky but outmatched second division combination, while Care was a lively presence at the base of the rucks and scrums.

The scrumhalf was adept at probing the numerous holes in the Barbarians defence, while Waldrom and inside centre Jordan Turner-Hall created space on attack.

The key moment for England came in the 63rd minute when the Barbarians, trailing 21-35, were hard on attack, but they failed to protect their ruck ball and Anthony Allen managed to intercept a 50/50 pass from the ground. The outside centre padded his way upfield before passing inside for Wade to speed away for a try that gave England enough breathing space.

Scorers

Southern Barbarians – Tries: Jacques Engelbrecht, Hannes Franklin, Norman Nelson, Ntabeni Dukisa. Conversions: Elgar Watts (3).

England – Tries: Thomas Waldrom (2), Christian Wade (3), George Lowe, Graham Kitchener, Danny Care. Conversions: Charlie Hodgson (4). Penalties: Hodgson (2).