Wayne Barnes reveals the one international star that scared him

Barnes made history by showing the first-ever red card in a World Cup final to New Zealand captain Sam Cane, helping South Africa retain their title. But even that moment doesn’t compare to dealing with these five players on the pitch.

Barnes said: “He was always a funny one on the field – in a nice way. You’d be trying to tell him something serious, and he’d just want to have a laugh and a joke. But he does bring a smile to your face.”

Joe Marler is one of England’s most charismatic front-rowers, known for his powerful scrummaging and larger-than-life personality. Born in Eastbourne, the prop has been a key part of Harlequins’ success and was a crucial member of England’s 2019 Rugby World Cup squad. His ability to get under opponents’ skin – and even referees – is legendary.

A World Cup winner with England in 2003, Dawson was one of the sharpest scrum-halves around. He toured with the British & Irish Lions three times and earned 77 caps.

Barnes said: “Scrum-halves are always the worst, especially Matt.”

Dawson was England’s starting scrum-half during their historic 2003 World Cup triumph, playing a key role in Jonny Wilkinson’s famous drop goal. His quick thinking and ability to challenge referees made him a handful on the pitch. Since retiring, Dawson has enjoyed a successful media career, appearing as a team captain on A Question of Sport for over a decade.

The man who lifted the 2003 Rugby World Cup was a no-nonsense leader – and a nightmare for referees. A dominant force in the tight five, Johnson’s philosophy was simple: if in doubt, go forward.

Barnes said: “I was always petrified of Martin Johnson. He was coming to the end of his career when I started refereeing in the Premiership.

“2003 was my first season, and I remember having to sin-bin him once. I actually apologised as I did it! I said, ‘I’m very sorry I have to do this’ because he’s such a big personality. He scared me witless!”

One of England’s greatest-ever captains, Johnson led England to World Cup glory in 2003 and was renowned for his sheer physicality and leadership. A two-time British & Irish Lions captain, he was the ultimate enforcer in the second row. After retiring, Johnson managed England between 2008 and 2011, though his coaching tenure was less successful than his playing career.

A cult hero of English rugby, Goode wasn’t the most athletic-looking fly-half, but his rugby brain was razor-sharp – and so was his wit.

Barnes said: “He always made me smile because he made me look athletic when we were on the same pitch! The humorous players always keep you on your toes.

“I once told Goode and his teammates that they were appealing for too many decisions – it sounded like there were 15 referees on the pitch. He just turned to me and said, ‘And you’re not even in the top 10.’”

Goode enjoyed an 18-year professional career, playing over 400 games and scoring more than 4,000 points. A master tactician with a booming boot, he was a stalwart for Leicester Tigers, Wasps, and several other clubs. Despite his stocky frame, he was a supremely intelligent playmaker who loved winding up referees – and opposition players.

Arguably the greatest All Black of all time, McCaw redefined the openside flanker role. He captained New Zealand to back-to-back World Cups in 2011 and 2015, cementing his legendary status.

Barnes said: “I’ve been on the field with some great captains – John Smit, Sam Warburton, and Richie McCaw.

“Richie had the knack of asking the right question at the right time. Sometimes it felt like I was losing a little bit of control.

“Contrary to popular belief, he didn’t talk much on the field. But he knew the law book inside out, and when he did ask a question, he often had a point.”

McCaw is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time. The New Zealand flanker was a relentless force at the breakdown, captaining the All Blacks in a record 110 Test matches. A three-time World Rugby Player of the Year, McCaw played 148 Tests and won an astonishing 131 of them. Since retiring, he has taken to the skies as a commercial helicopter pilot.