Wales vs England LIVE: Rugby World Cup warm-up result and reaction from Cardiff
Wales 20-9 England: Steve Borthwick’s England conceded a mammoth 22 turnovers in a sloppy defeat to Warren Gatland’s men
England began their final phase of Rugby World Cup preparation in horribly underwhelming fashion as Wales sent them spinning to a 20-9 defeat in Cardiff.
Second-half tries from Gareth Davies and George North staved off a fifth successive home loss for Wales as England boss Steve Borthwick was given plenty to ponder less than 48 hours before he names his World Cup squad. Few players left lasting impressions, although there were some impressive moments from fly-half Marcus Smith and No 8 Alex Dombrandt, with Wales responding superbly to a three-point interval deficit.
England were abysmal with their ball retention, conceding a colossal 22 turnovers, and Wales did not require a second invitation to capitalise. Full-back Leigh Halfpenny marked his 100th cap by converting both tries and kicking two penalties, with Smith kicking England’s points through three first-half penalties.
England’s opening World Cup game against Argentina is just five weeks away, yet Borthwick will not be reaching for any panic button with three warm-up fixtures still to come on the August schedule. For Wales, it was a significant confidence-booster following a fifth-placed finish in last season’s Six Nations as they recorded just a third win from the last 11 Tests.
Relive the clash below:
Wales 13-9 England, 50 minutes
Wales swap props: Corey Domachowski and Kieron Assiratti have put themselves about on debut and take leave; Nicky Smith steps in for Domachowski while Henry Thomas, once of England, earns a second international debut. In fact, here’s Wales’ other debutant, too - Taine Plumtree replaces Christ Tshiunza.
England answer with a switch of their own, Danny Care off, Jack van Poortvliet on.
TRY! WALES 13-9 England (Gareth Davies try, 48 minutes)
A brilliant Welsh score!
The first try of the match and it is a beauty. Give the credit to Aaron Wainwright, lurking on the right after that maul and spying an out-matched Danny Care in front of him. Sam Costelow finds the number eight with a cross-kick, with Wainwright able to ride Care’s challenge and free the arms to Jac Morgan.
The openside weaves between four English defenders and produces an offload of his own, Gareth Davies providing support and forcing his way over under pressure from Joe Cokanasiga. Leigh Halfpenny adds the extra two and Wales, for the first time this evening, are in front.
Wales 6-9 England, 47 minutes
Joy at scrum time for the Welsh front row, with England deemed to have caused the latest collapse. Wales into England’s half via Sam Costelow’s boot.
Another penalty Wales’ way, this time for England’s sacking of a maul.
Wales 6-9 England, 46 minutes
Gareth Davies is the latest to watch the ball fall from the Principality roof, the scrum-half covering smartly.
In a rarity, Freddie Steward makes a mess of his next high claim, and Wales spread it under knock-on advantage. Rio Dyer tries to out-kick Joe Marchant and Max Malins but runs out of room, looking quizically at Nic Berry as the referee says that advantage was over. Or not, in fact - Berry does eventually bring the players back for a scrum.
An England change, and perhaps an intriguing one with Monday’s announcement in mind - Jonny Hill and David Ribbans may be jostling for one final lock slot. The former replaces the latter.
Wales 6-9 England, 44 minutes
Tom Pearson introduces himself brusquely to Max Llewelyn, a cobblestone shoulder sending the centre spinning in a double-tackle. Wales kick up towards the England 22, from where Freddie Steward runs it back.
Wales 6-9 England, 42 minutes
But England fail to make the most of that early territory, and Marcus Smith is soon forced to drop back in the pocket and release an up-and-under...which also ends up in English hands.
Smith says how about another, Joe Cokanasiga up in pursuit...but Sam Costelow this time securely beneath it.
Wales 6-9 England, 41 minutes
A slightly shallow Welsh clearance lands in the hands of Max Malins, spinning and tumbling out of a tackle 35 metres from the hosts’ line.
Wales 6-9 England, second half
And here come the visitors, Ellis Genge out leading the way.
Marcus Smith will get things back underway.
HT: Wales 6-9 England
Of those potentially pressing for a place in England’s World Cup squad (named on Monday), you’d say that Lewis Ludlam and Joe Marchant have done their chances no harm, while Joe Cokanasiga and Guy Porter have maybe not had the performance they’d have liked so far. Still, another half of rugby yet to go before Steve Borthwick gathers his coaches in a Cardiff hotel boardroom tonight to turn pencil to pen.
Wales are back out there, ready to go.
HT: Wales 6-9 England
England will feel disappointed that their lead is only three points, dominating the territorial battle in that first 40 but repeatedly fluffing their lines inside the Welsh 22. The home side have rallied well when required but are struggling defensively out wide, while England have had the better of things in the air to build positionally through the boot. A series of scrum resets sapped the energy of the half a bit, with England’s ascendancy in that regard also cause for optimism for Steve Borthwick - though it should be noted that this could well be his first choice propping pair in France.
Still, that margin really is slim, and you’d fancy Wales to be a bit better after a half-time orange or two.
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