Johns' Rugby Classic "honour"

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19: Rugby league legend Andrew Johns said he was "honoured" to have squared up to a typically-rugged South Africa after Australia's World Rugby Classic win.

The 38-year-old was left to drag his battered body off the pitch after the Wallabies won their first ever Classic at the National Sports Centre in Devonshire.

Johns, who was named the eighth “Immortal” of rugby league following a stellar career, had earlier revealed the Bermuda tournament was the first time he’d played union.

But he was a key performer in Saturday’s final, his classy conversion of Damon Murphy’s try a notable moment as the Classic Wallabies overcame pre-tournament favourites South Africa 15-5.

With his right knee heavily strapped, Johns said he was proud to be part of the team that finally got Australia’s name on the trophy.

He said: “I got a knock early on the week, it’s nothing. There’s some big boys out there! It was ridiculously tough. We’re old men, I don’t know what we were thinking!

“I used to watch some of the South African guys on TV so for me, as a league player, to play against someone like Bobby Skinstad is a real honour – I was really looking forward to it and I’m wrapped that I got the chance to play against them.

“I thought the event was just going to be a hit and giggle but it’s ridiculous! I’ll be sore afterwards.

“We are all competitive - that’s why everyone’s made it to the top of their sport – so it was a big win, especially when you consider how many league players (four) we had

“I’m wrapped that I was invited and wrapped to be a part of it. If Bermuda was closer to Australia I might come back!”