England's backup squad beats Wales

England's Stuart Abbott, left, is tackled by Stephen Jones of Wales during their rugby union friendly match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Saturday. PHOTO: REUTERS

South African-born Stuart Abbott scored one of England's five tries as Clive Woodward's backup squad crushed Wales 43-9 at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday in the buildup to the World Cup.

Although Woodward virtually knows his starting lineup for the Oct. 10-Nov. 22 championship in Australia, ha gave his support players the chance to gain places on the squad and Lewis Moody, Dan Luger, Joe Worsley, Abbott and Dorian West all crossed the Welsh line.

England led by just 16-9 at half time before scoring 27 unanswered points in the second half. Wasps fly half Alex King kicked three penalties, two conversions and a drop goal to contribute 16 points.

"That England pack could take on any pack in the world," Woodward said. "We have got a lot of depth in certain positions, and the pack was fantastic. I didn't field that team as a shadow team.

"Our job is to keep pushing England forward, and the key is to get the right selection when we announce the World Cup squad on Sept. 8.

"I made an error in the last World Cup because I wasn't confident enough to use all 30 players. To do well in a World Cup, you need to have confidence in all 30 players."

Wales' New Zealand coach Steve Hansen admitted his players were despondent after the loss. But he had no plans to quit.

"I'm confident that I'm a good coach," he said. "I'm proud of the job I'm doing and I'm proud of my players. They are good men. It is not my decision whether or not I go. I intend to carry on with the job.

"This is not the time to roll into a ball and die. I won't leave until someone tells me that I have to go. Me returning to New Zealand is not the answer to Wales' problems."

With England looking for a backup kicker for the standout Jonny Wilkinson, King had the chance to make his mark. But he pulled a straightfoward kicked wide of the posts in the third minute.