Phil Bennett: Twinkle-toed outside-half who starred for Wales and the Lions
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The most memorable of Bennett’s 413 appearances for Llanelli – for whom he scored 2,532 points in 16 seasons – came on October 31, 1972 when New Zealand were famously conquered 9-3 at Stradey Park. Welsh entertainer Max Boyce’s tribute recalled “how the pubs ran dry” in the west Wales town after that victory, and he name-checked Bennett as one of the players “all the little babies in Llanelli” would be christened after. Bennett, fondly known as ‘Benny’ throughout rugby, scored 103 points on the tour, including a breath-taking sidestepping solo try from deep in the second Test. Bennett played a key role in Wales’ 1976 Grand Slam success and became captain after Mervyn Davies suffered a brain haemorrhage while playing for his club side Swansea.
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Thousands pay respects to Phil Bennett at former Wales star’s funeral
The Independent
Wales and Lions great Phil Bennett dies aged 73
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