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 0-6 England, 15 minutes
David Ribbans almost takes a tumble as Rio Dyer brushes the lock’s legs as Ellis Genge hoists him aloft to claim the latest Welsh restart, the wing doing well to withdraw and avoid a more serious incident. England clear up towards halfway with Max Malins contesting but unable to win back clean possession.
PENALTY! Wales 0-6 ENGLAND (Marcus Smith penalty, 14 minutes)
Safely popped through. England double their advantage.
Wales 0-3 England, 12 minutes
And it is Wales again prompting the referee’s whistle, Nic Berry clearly not keen for any messing around on engagement. This should be three more for Marcus Smith.
Wales 0-3 England, 11 minutes
England’s pod of carriers get themselves in a muddle, though, another fumble in advanced territory ending what looked a promising period inside the Wales 22. Back down for another bit of scrum-time heave-ho.
Wales 0-3 England, 10 minutes
A first look at Tom Pearson on the rumble, the ball popping into his hands from Joe Cokanasiga’s loose carry. The big back rower, so impressive for London Irish last year, makes metres up the middle.
Patience from England, working the phases inside the Wales 22.
Wales 0-3 England, 9 minutes
Good again from Lewis Ludlam on kick receipt, bashing past a Welshman. Danny Care’s clearance is flighted slightly too close to the touchline but Max Malins manages to paw it back infield.
Malins’s pat went forward, giving Wales advantage with which to explore. Domachowski carries firmly buyt Joe Marchant catches Leigh Halfpenny behind the gainline and Wales are pinged at the resulting breakdown. Sharp defence from Marchant, battling for one of those final few places in England’s World Cup squad.
PENALTY! Wales 0-3 ENGLAND (Marcus Smith penalty, 8 minutes)
Straight and true. England on the board first via their fly-half’s right boot.
Wales 0-0 England, 7 minutes
Down goes the scrum...England penalty! Nic Berry has a chat with new man Dee but it looks like it was Corey Domachowski picked up for going straight to floor. Marcus Smith will go for goal from just short of halfway...
Wales 0-0 England, 6 minutes
Oh no. Ryan Elias’s calf is still bothering him, and it looks like this is it for his participation this evening.
Yep, here comes Elliot Dee from the bench - another hooking worry for Wales having already lost Ken Owens this summer. Fingers crossed it’s only a minor tweak.
Wales 0-0 England, 5 minutes
Sharp hands on the right put Max Malins into space, but another untimely handling error ends England’s chances ten metres out.
Marcus Smith shimmies free of a couple of would-be tacklers to get back to the Wales ten-metre line after a clearance, but Guy Porter shells a simple pass. England inaccurate so far, but showing some early threat in attack.
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