England v Wales highlights: Six Nations score and reaction as hosts cling on for dramatic win at Twickenham
England 16-14 Wales: England produce second-half comeback to dramatically edge past old rivals Wales at Twickenham
England’s ambition of making a fresh start on their return to Twickenham failed to produce the hoped-for fireworks but they at least had the resilience to dig out a 16-14 victory over Wales.
For the first time in Six Nations history, Warren Gatland’s team led at the interval in their great rival’s stronghold after storming 14-5 ahead through a penalty try and Alex Mann touch down.
But the favourites hit back when Fraser Dingwall went over in the left corner before George Ford stepped up to land the decisive penalty in the 72nd minute, rewarding a more polished second half.
Relive all the action from Twickenham in the blog below:
England 8-14 Wales
50 mins: Wales kick over the top and it’s touched by an England player to give them an attacking lineout. But great maul defence by England as they stop the forward momentum, hold the ball up and earn the free-kick from the referee.
Front-row changes for England as Ellis Genge and Dan Cole come on for Joe Marler and Will Stuart. Straight into a scrum for the big lads
PENALTY! England 8-14 Wales (George Ford 47’)
No dramas for Georg Ford who narrows the gap to within a score from the tee.
England 5-14 Wales
46 mins: Scrum collapses but Wales still get the ball out and Adams boots clear from his own in-goal area. Steward slips on the return before a Ford chip through is blocked but belatedly we’re coming back for Tompkins being offside from the kick.
Penalty bang in front coming up
England 5-14 Wales
45 mins: Wales stuck on their own line as try to set up a kick clear but eventually earn a five-metre scrum instead.
England 5-14 Wales
43 mins: Itoje leaps high to claim the lineout and it’s a painful landing but England retain the ball. A couple of one-up carries from the big boys before they wraparound to the right and Slade gets over the gain-line.
The ball is flung wide to the left and Daly charges for the line but a great covering tackle by Winnett to push him into touch, with Adams coming in to help tidy up
England 5-14 Wales
42 mins: STOP THE PRESSES! WALES HAVE CONCEDED A PENALTY! They’re pinged at the scrum and England have the perfect platform with a lineout in the 22.
England 5-14 Wales
41 mins: Knock-on early in this second half as Wainwright can’t handle a low pass on halfway. England will look to assert their dominance at the scrum.
KICK-OFF! England 5-14 Wales
Back underway at Twickenham as Ioan Lloyd kicks long. Can England get back in this or will Wales see out a famous win?
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments