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:
KICK-OFF! England 0-0 Wales
George Ford kicks high into the Twickenham air and we’re underway!
England v Wales
Anthems done, various pre-match paraphernalia swiftly cleared from the pitch and we’re about ready to go here in southwest London.
England v Wales
A lovely minute’s applause for the recently departed heroes of years past in this fixture. Barry John, JPR Williams and Mike Weston being honoured here today
England v Wales
Fans out in force as always for this clash.
England v Wales
We’re about 10 minutes from kick-off and anticipation is building at Twickenham! This is one of rugby’s great rivalries and we’re about to enjoy the latest instalment.
George North says he remains as driven as ever on brink of another landmark
George North says his drive and desire is undiminished as he prepares to take up membership of an exclusive club.
The Wales centre, who wins his 119th cap against England at Twickenham on Saturday, also clocks up 50 appearances in the Six Nations Championship.
It is a feat achieved by only four other Welshmen – North’s fellow cap centurions Alun Wyn Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Stephen Jones and Martyn Williams.
The 31-year-old has been backed by Wales head coach Warren Gatland to make a fifth successive World Cup in Australia during 2027, which would see him equal the record jointly held by Brian Lima, Sergio Parisse and Mauro Bergamasco.
That possibility is some distance down the road, but North’s form and consistency underpins a player who shows no sign of slowing up.
George North says he remains as driven as ever on brink of another landmark
Wales centre made his Six Nations debut 13 years ago.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to make a mark?
The Exeter wing pledged allegiance to England and made his debut off the bench against Italy, despite being born and raised in Cardiff.
It prompted Wales boss Warren Gatland to remark last month that his decision had not gone down well across the border, although Gatland also insisted that preparations for England had not involved the 21-year-old being mentioned, stating: “It doesn’t add any extra spice. Good luck to him. I hope things go well for him.”
England v Wales talking points
Ioan Lloyd in the spotlight
Former Bristol back Lloyd makes his first Wales start on Saturday, and it will be in the No 10 shirt after taking over from the injured Sam Costelow.
The 22-year-old featured twice as a substitute during Wales’ 2020 autumn campaign, but it was more than three years until he reappeared on the international stage, replacing Costelow against Scotland last weekend and helping to orchestrate a spectacular second-half fightback.
Lloyd is among several players in Wales’ match-day 23 never to have played Test rugby at Twickenham, but the visitors need him to thrive.
England v Wales talking points
Pump up the Twickenham volume
England return to headquarters for the first time since they were booed during a shock World Cup warm-up defeat against Fiji.
Steve Borthwick’s team went on to finish third in the World Cup, and they host Wales on the back of an opening Six Nations victory over Italy.
The Twickenham atmosphere in recent times has undoubtedly been flat, and changes introduced to the match-day experience include an increase in length of the players’ walk through the crowds from their bus to the changing room.
England v Wales talking points
Half-century for George North
Wales are boosted by the return after injury of centre George North for their trip to south-west London. North, who wins his 119th cap, is the solitary player in Saturday’s matchday 23 to have been part of a winning Wales team at Twickenham, while he also clocks up 50 Six Nations games.
Only four other players have reached a half-century in the competition for Wales – Alun Wyn Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Stephen Jones and Martyn Williams. North, who made his Six Nations bow against France in Paris 13 years ago, remains an integral part of head coach Warren Gatland’s plans.
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