THOSE England players bruised by their beatings at the hands and feet of the Celts, the first such triple whammy since 1976, can only pray for a shorter casualty list than the one from 45 years ago.
A grand total of 12 players disappeared from the Test arena over the course of that barren Five Nations campaign never to be seen again. They included a trio of outstanding Lions – David Duckham, Andy Ripley and John Pullin.
Derek Wyatt, a tenth minute replacement for the injured Duckham at Murrayfield after England had lost their opening match 21-9 to Wales at Twickenham, suffered the unkind fate of starting and finishing his international career on the same afternoon.
Headingley scrum-half Mike Lampkowski and Swansea flanker Mark Keyworth went after the third straight defeat of the championship, at home to Ireland. Six more followed after a 30-9 beating in France – Gloucester full-back Peter Butler, Bristol wing Keith Plummer, Harlequins centre David Cooke, Gloucester flyhalf Chris Williams, Bedford lock Bob Wilkinson and Leicester No.8 Gary Adey.
On their way to the wooden spoon, England managed two tries, two conversions and ten penalties. It all conspired to bring about the least surprising resignation of all, that of Alec Lewis as chairman of selectors.
