Phil Bennett

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billhemsley
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Phil Bennett

Post by billhemsley »

BBC reporting the death at 73 of a true legend of the game.
chewbacca
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Re: Phil Bennett

Post by chewbacca »

RIP Phil. What a player. What an era.
I'm not cynical just experienced
Rugbygramps
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Re: Phil Bennett

Post by Rugbygramps »

RIP one of my favourite players of all time, that Barbarian try, his effort v the Scots and his performances v the South Africans for the 73 Lions just sublime.

One of the true giants of the game
chewbacca
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Re: Phil Bennett

Post by chewbacca »

I defy anyone not to fall in love with the game after seeing THAT try
I'm not cynical just experienced
Ian Cant
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Re: Phil Bennett

Post by Ian Cant »

Great player and lovely man. Condolences to all the family and his many friends.
CJ
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Re: Phil Bennett

Post by CJ »

Couldn’t agree more - a magnificent player in one of the great eras.
He will be missed.
Condolences to his family.
mightymouse
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Re: Phil Bennett

Post by mightymouse »

Very sad news indeed.. another of the 70s greats departing far too early. That truely was the golden age of rugby
langton85
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Re: Phil Bennett

Post by langton85 »

In 2001 I was recovering from a hip replacement when Tigers played Swansea in the Heineken Cup. My mate, Little Fat Jack used to drop me off opposite the Mattioni Woods/A L Stand, before we went to watch the game from the Safety Control Unit. As he drove off a car pulled up behind and Phil Bennett got out. We stood waiting for a gap in the incessant Welford Road traffic. Me on crutches and Phil with the best sidestep in rugby. After a couple of minutes and a couple of false starts from Phil, I said to him, “ If you can’t get through that traffic how the hell am I going to do it?” As the traffic eased he stopped and escorted me across the road safely asking about my injury? Oh to be in the presence of greatness.
Robespierre
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Re: Phil Bennett

Post by Robespierre »

A magician with a side-step to behold. One if the best players of all time.
Semper in excretia
jgriffin
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Re: Phil Bennett

Post by jgriffin »

Watching some of the games from earlier eras you begin to appreciate the skill so many displayed in often brutal chaos. Bennett, like Barry John, stood out amongst so many great players.
Leicester Tigers 1995-
Nottingham 1995-2000
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A game played on grass in the open air by teams of XV.
Rugbygramps
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Re: Phil Bennett

Post by Rugbygramps »

Robespierre wrote: Mon Jun 13, 2022 8:11 am A magician with a side-step to behold. One if the best players of all time.
Robespierre were you at the Gate centenary in the 80s where he played. A few years past his best but that step was still there.
Big Dai
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Re: Phil Bennett

Post by Big Dai »

They talk about tens "controlling the game" these days. Then there's a 10 who can just create something out if nothing. (Like that Barbar's) try. I'll remember Mr Bennett as one of the creators.

I'd like to think of him sharing notes with the commentator on that try, another great 10. They had a bit of a factory, the Welsh, didn't they?

Sad day.
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Rugbygramps
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Re: Phil Bennett

Post by Rugbygramps »

His try against the Scots was also one of the great pieces of Bill McClaren commentary. Those that have never seen it, it’s bound to be on you YouTube somewhere
Rugbygramps
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Re: Phil Bennett

Post by Rugbygramps »

Robespierre
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Re: Phil Bennett

Post by Robespierre »

Rugbygramps wrote: Mon Jun 13, 2022 8:33 am
Robespierre wrote: Mon Jun 13, 2022 8:11 am A magician with a side-step to behold. One if the best players of all time.
Robespierre were you at the Gate centenary in the 80s where he played. A few years past his best but that step was still there.
Yes, I was! Didn’t Peter Wheeler get an all-star side together that day?
Semper in excretia
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