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 0-0 England, 4 minutes
A couple of inevitable resets, Nic Berry giving his demands to the new Welsh prop pair and their England counterparts. Stable at the third attempt, with Gareth Davies waiting to feed and then passing from the base to let Sam Costelow clear.
A half-break from Freddie Steward! Lively counter-attacking from the England full-back and the visitors are back towards the 22.
Wales 0-0 England, 3 minutes
A first chacne for an England attack and a first sighting of big Joe Cokanasiga, bashing into the Welsh midfield defence off his wing. George Martin follows up around the corner, but his handling is imprecise and a fumble on the floor means Wales will have a scrum.
Wales 0-0 England, 2 minutes
A Welsh blocking line draws the first blast of Nic Berry’s whistle, a retreating player penalised after Danny Care had box kicked again. Ryan Elias receives a bit of treatment on what looks like a sore hamstring as Marcus Smith punts for touch inside the Welsh 22.
Wales 0-0 England, 1 minute
A clean take from Lewis Ludlam, and a bright first carry, too, wriggling free from the first defender. Straight to the air from England, Danny Care hoisting high and letting Leigh Halfpenny do what he does best on cap number 100.
Wales reply in kind, Sam Costelow sending up a high bomb, which is safely defused.
Kick off!
Here we go then, Wales to get things underway. Sam Costelow takes the ball from the mascot, ready for action on his first Welsh start. England wait to receive, Tom Pearson up in the front line on debut next to Max Malins.
A peep of the whistle, a boot to the ball - Wales vs England has begun!
Wales vs England: Match officials
Referee: Nic Berry (Aus)
ARs: Mike Adamson (Sco) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Joy Neville (Ire)
Wales vs England
A few English visitors from across the bridge make themselves known during “God Save the King”, full of throat as they sing the anthem.
“Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” is powerfully backed by those in the red corner, the Principality not quite at capacity but any rendition of the anthem stirring under this grand old amphitheatre’s roof.
Wales vs England
Ahead of kick off, a moment of commemoration for the great Clive Rowlands, who sadly passed away this week.
Former Wales captain and coach Clive Rowlands dies aged 85
Rowlands also managed the British and Irish Lions and served as president of the Welsh Rugby Union.
Wales vs England
And the crowd rises to salute Leigh Halfpenny, leading out Wales on the occasion of his 100th cap. A great servant for so long to Welsh rugby - does he have one more tournament left in him?
Here come the rest of them out of the flames, smoke twisting in the air, England all in white, Wales in their red anthem jackets and white shorts beneath.
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