Barbarians International Invitation match / England 42 NZ Barbarians 17 : Clive Woodward heads for a skiing holiday in Switzerland today with at least some positives from the game against the New Zealand Barbarians, notably the performances of centre Stuart Abbott and prop Matt Stevens.
Abbott was easily England's most creative player, while 21-year-old Bath tighthead Stevens confirmed rich potential on his first taste of rugby's high life.
"I have got aspirations for an international career," said South Africa-born Stevens, whose English qualifications come through his paternal grandparents.
With Julian White set to undergo knee surgery, and Phil Vickery out with a rib injury, Stevens's emergence could prove the most significant result of Saturday's non-cap invitation match.
Ben Cohen (two), his fellow wing James Simpson-Daniel, fly-half Paul Grayson, substitute Mike Tindall and Stevens scored tries, while Grayson added 12 points from the boot.
The England XV trailed by seven points early on, but even without the likes of World Cup heroes like Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio and Neil Back, they still held too many trump cards.
Man-of-the-match Cohen got a try in each half of a fully committed encounter.
England supporters, merry from the effects of England's World Cup triumph, relished every minute, and for many, it was a perfect Christmas present.
But the hastily assembled Barbarians also had their moments, especially during the opening quarter, when they led 10-3 and monopolised possession.
A team containing nine All Blacks - many of them hoping to leave an early impression on new national coach Graham Henry - intended spoiling England's party, but Cohen and company eased away in the second period, scoring 29 points as fitness told.
Barbarians lock Troy Flavell scored an early try before subsequently making headlines for all the wrong reasons after being cited for breaking Richard Hill's nose with a swinging arm.
The home side's response though, was spectacular. Grayson put up a steepling kick to the corner, and Cohen leapt above Jorrie Muller and Diego Albanese as he claimed a try wide out.
England, after a stuttering start, hit their straps, and Jason Robinson produced a brilliant midfield break that caused panic in Barbarian ranks. Abbott followed Robinson's example eight minutes later, and a try ensued.
Abbott was stopped short of the line, but England had players in support, allowing Grayson a simple touchdown. Inexplicably though, Northampton's prolific kicker missed a conversion sitter.
Penalties from Grayson either side of the break made it 16-10, before England took the game by storm. Andy Gomarsall opted for a quick penalty tap, and Cohen burst through an inviting gap for his second touchdown that confirmed world-class finishing prowess. Grayson's conversion made it 23-10, before Stevens powered over from close range.
The closing quarter belonged to England, with Simpson-Daniel and Tindall finishing off the job, although their efforts were sandwiched by a consolation try from Barbarians centre Keith Lowen.
ENGLAND: J Robinson; J Simpson-Daniel, O Smith (M Tindall 54), S Abbott (B Golling 78), B Cohen; P Grayson, A Gomarsall (K Bracken 64); T Woodman (A Sheridan 54), A Titterell, M Stevens, S Shaw, D Grewcock, M Corry (P Sanderson 54), R Hill (capt, H Vyvyan 60), J Worsley.
NZ BARBARIANS: J Muller; R Gear (E Taione 68), K Lowen, D Gibson (T Vili 65), D Albanese; G Jackson, D Lee (B Willis 60); T Woodcock, A Hore (A Tiatia 48), D Manu (M Hurter 65), T Flavell, S Maling (N Maxwell 59), T Randell (capt), J Blackie, X Rush (S Harding 39).
Referee: Joel Jutge (France).
