Phil Bennett helped Wales win the Five Nations grand slam twice in their 1970s golden era and was part of the famed British Lions tour victory in 1974
Part of famed British Lions tour victory in 1974Photograph: A Richards Photography/AlamyPhotograph: A Richards Photography/AlamyThe world of rugby has united in tribute to Phil Bennett, one of the greatest fly-halves to play for Wales and the British and Irish Lions. The 73-year-old, famed for his thrilling attacking play, has died after a long illness.
The statement quoted Bennett’s former club captain and Wales and Lions teammate Delme Thomas, who said: “He was the best fly-half I have ever seen.” Bennett inherited the Welsh No 10 jersey from another legend, Barry John, who retired a year after orchestrating a Lions series win in New Zealand in 1971. Bennett was born for the role and forged a scintillating union with Edwards at scrum-half.
Reflecting on Bennett’s key role in Llanelli dominating the domestic scene, including four Welsh Cup successes in the 1970s, Scarlets’ executive chairman, Simon Muderack, said: “Wherever the Scarlets travel around the world, people mention the name Phil Bennett. He was an icon of our sport, a rugby superstar, but someone who always remembered his roots.
He also starred for the Barbarians 20 times. Two minutes into the match against New Zealand in 1973, he collected a long kick inside his 22 while facing his own try-line. He skipped around one All Black and then whizzed past another. By the time he looped a long pass to Williams he had left another two in his wake.
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