EBBW VALE’S Huw Bennett is looking to wipe out the memory of Wales’ 2007 Twickenham horror show when he faces England today.

The Ospreys hooker was caught up in the 62-5 slaughter that almost ruined then coach Gareth Jenkins’ reputation.

But the 28-year-old Bennett is quick to point out that just six months after that nine-try walloping, Wales went back to London and caused a 26-19 upset that paved the way for a Grand Slam.

He played a lead role in that great Welsh win – the first at HQ for 20 years – by pulling off a try-saving tackle just before the stroke of half-time.

Had Paul Sackey crossed the try line, England would have gone in further ahead than their 16-6 lead with the game probably as good as over.

It is the class of 2008 that Bennett wants to emulate this afternoon.

“The defeat in 2007 wasn’t the best experience to be involved in, but we got a very impressive win there a year later and that’s the kind of result we are looking to come up with this weekend,” he said.

“Every professional sportsman has dark times and that was obviously one of them.

“But what you do with dark times is forget about them and move on.

“The 2007 story we kind of put to bed by winning there the following year.”

Captain Matthew Rees is facing a race against time to be fit for the World Cup with a long-standing injury and this afternoon gives Bennett a golden opportunity to stake his claim for a tournament place for a third time.

In-form Newport Gwent Dragons hooker Lloyd Burns is on the bench this afternoon and he will be itching to get in on the action and win his second cap after his debut in the defeat to the Barbarians in June.

He is breathing down Bennett’s neck but his rival, who wins his 40th cap today, is fired up.

“With Matthew’s problems, he’s being rested, but it gives me a chance to stake a claim,” Bennett said.

“It’s all about this weekend – England v Wales at Twicken-ham, a full house. Bring it on.”