Well done to Wales on their accomplished and emphatic defeat
of England on Saturday . The game was dominated by the physicality of the Welsh
forwards who simple out muscled the English pack. The brutal first half ended
with a score of 9 – 3 to Wales with England conceding as many penalties in the
first half as they did in the entire match against Italy.
The older and wiser Welsh players realised England were not committing
bodies into the ruck and mauls and contested heavily in these areas, the more inexperienced
English players conceded silly penalties which the Welsh capitalised on. Even
the reliable boot of Own Farrell couldn’t lift English spirits as he missed two
consecutive penalty kicks.
During the second half Wales upped their game and drove
England back especially in the scrum. Two tries from Alex Cuthbert sealed
England’s fate. Even bringing on fresh
players from the bench, England head coach Stuart Lancaster couldn’t turn the
tide and change the outcome of the game.
On a personal note I think England are a very good team, but
they spent too much time complaining to the referee during the game instead of
just getting on with it, especially scrum half Ben Young who was critical of this.
Mr Young needs to speed up and play the ball and run through the phases allowing
the forwards and backs to do their job. The Welsh rush defence had England permanently
on the back foot due to Ben Young’s slow delivery in the break down areas.
The Welsh thoroughly deserved the win; they were the better
team on the day. I just hope England learn from the defeat, you have to turn up
and get on with playing rugby rather than trying to tell the referee you’re not
happy the opposition are playing a rough game.
