Wales 16
England 21
ENGLAND’S LONG WINNING run, dating back to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, looked under serious threat for 75 minutes of a suffocating Six Nations clash with Wales.
The run was extended to 16 straight victories by Elliot Daly’s 75th minute finish in the left corner after George Ford and Owen Farrell combined to return Jonathan Davies’ kick from behind his own try-line.
Wales took the lead in an incredibly intense encounter thanks to Liam Williams’ 37th minute try to edge ahead of their nearest and dearest neighbours 13 – 8 at the interval after Ben Youngs had sniped over for the reigning Grand Slam champions midway through the first-half.
Despite piling the pressure onto Eddie Jones’ unbeaten side in the second half, Rob Howley’s men only added a Leigh Halfpenny penalty to their total in the second period.
Farrell slotted kicks either side of that score, but his side struggled to break down the hosts’ resolute defence until, after losing the ball five metres from the try-line, centre Jonathan Davies failed to find touch with his clearing kick and England’s dual playmakers punished the error.
The result leaves England top of the Six Nations table with eight points, ahead of Ireland who have six points after today’s bonus point win in Rome and Wales who move to five points thanks to a losing bonus.
Scorers:
Wales:
Try: L Williams
Conversion: L Halfpenny (1/1)
Penalty: L Halfpenny (3/3)
England
Try: B Youngs, E Daly
Conversion: O Farrell (1/2)
Penalties: O Farrell (3/3) E Daly (0/1)
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