British and Irish Lions: Sir Clive Woodward concern

SIR Clive Woodward believes taking on the Barbarians in Hong Kong today will do little to help the British and Irish Lions prepare for their Test series against Australia.

Woodward saw the Barbarians ripped apart 40-12 by England at Twickenham on Saturday and the former England and Lions head coach believes the Baa-Baas just aren’t good enough.

“To be blunt, playing the Barbarians in Hong Kong on Saturday will do absolutely nothing to help them prepare for the pace and professionalism of the Wallabies,” Woodward wrote in his newspaper column.

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“When the Barbarians lined up against England last weekend they were clearly dishevelled and uninterested – it was a waste of a fixture for an England side about to tour Argentina and a match that the RFU should seriously reconsider if it is approached in such ridiculous fashion. It was a hot, sunny day at Twickenham and the Baa-Baas paid a heavy price for their self-proclaimed ‘team bonding’ drinking sessions in the week building up to the match.

“Professional players preparing with beer-fuelled ‘bonding sessions’ is a million miles away from the image the game should have in the 21st century.”

The Barbarians have imposed a drinking ban until after today’s game.