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England’s failure to convincingly put an understrength Wales to the sword in Twickenham has created considerable hand-wringing online.
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An 18-point haul from flyhalf Marcus Smith underpinned England’s second straight win of the championship which keeps alive the title chances of Eddie Jones’ team. But England still have the hardest finish possible – games against Ireland and then away to table-topping and grand slam-seeking France in the last two rounds.
Wales couldn’t recover from falling 17-0 behind, thanks to four first-half penalties from Smith and a try from No.8 Alex Dombrandt, who collected an overthrown lineout by the Welsh and barged over the line.
Wales had been dominated up front until that point, giving away sloppy penalties as a result, but gained a foothold in the match when winger Josh Adams ran onto a flat pass from scrumhalf Tomos Williams and raced over in the left corner in the 54th.
And when centre Nick Tompkins was fed by Williams in a central position and barrelled over from close range six minutes later, Dan Biggar’s subsequent conversion meant the teams were separated by just five points.
Smith snuffed out any danger by kicking his fifth and sixth penalties of the game in the final 12 minutes, allowing England to back up their 33-0 win in Italy two weeks ago.
A third Welsh try of the second half, by replacement scrum-half Kieran Hardy, at least earned the visitors a losing bonus point to take back over the Severn Bridge.
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And there was a desperate final, 16-phase attack in injury time that reached the halfway line only to end, much to the relief of England’s fans.
Yet, against this, there was annoyance among fans who were expecting England to cut lose and punish a Welsh struggling with injuries and playing mediocre rugby. England scored just one try to Wales’ three, and it came from a misfiring Welsh lineout, all after fireworks were promised pre-game.
Everyone: 'Win possession, clear your lines'
Wales: #engvwal | Credit: @SixNationsRugby pic.twitter.com/JVoxoK5xeR
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 26, 2022
Welsh journalist Andy Howell wrote: “Lawes should have been another blatant yellow card. Wales’ best display of 6N. Will say it yet again Eddie Jones on borrowed time with Gatland waiting in wings for RWC. Lose to Ire & Fr & fast Eddie could be gone.”
Lawes should have been another blatant yellow card. Wales’ best display of 6N. Will say it yet again Eddie Jones on borrowed time with Gatland waiting in wings for RWC. Lose to Ire & Fr & fast Eddie could be gone
— Andy Howell (@andyhowellsport) February 26, 2022
Daily Telegraph golf correspondent James Corrigan wrote: “Wales played well second half. England should be so much better. They should get rid of Eddie Jones pronto.”
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Wales played well second half. England should be so much better. They should get rid of Eddie Jones pronto
— James Corrigan (never had a blue tick) (@jcorrigangolf) February 26, 2022
“Glad England got the win but another underwhelming performance from Eddie Jones team. Just not clicking & hasn’t for a while,” wrote one fan. “Lacking pace & power in the backs & poor 1st phase defence. Feels like the EJ era is past its sell by date.”
Glad England got the win but another underwhelming performance from Eddie Jones team. Just not clicking & hasn’t for a while. Lacking pace & power in the backs & poor 1st phase defence. Feels like the EJ era is past its sell by date #ENGvWAL
— Jamie Gray ?????????????? (@JMGray80) February 26, 2022
“Saw an England side today that, with great respect, should have put a lot of points on Wales but didn’t; but they were ‘sort of’ clinging on at the end,” wrote another. “Eddie Jones is not the coach this young, talented team need. In fact he’s not the coach anyone needs. Living off reputation.”
Saw an England side today that, with great respect, should have put a lot of points on Wales but didn’t; but they were ‘sort of’ clinging on at the end. Eddie Jones is not the coach this young, talented team need. In fact he’s not the coach anyone needs. Living off reputation
— Alex Narey (@anarey_sport) February 26, 2022
“If Wales turn England Rugby over in this half, do you think we might finally bin off Eddie Jones and his boring style of Rugby,” penned another discontent fan.
If Wales turn @EnglandRugby over in this half, do you think we might finally bin off Eddie Jones and his boring style of Rugby #EngWal #EnglandRugby #ENGvWAL #SixNations pic.twitter.com/p6T1b4HyH1
— NotSoMagicMike (@WilkinsonJamesD) February 26, 2022
“England rugby team not improving under Eddie Jones anymore, going backwards actually,” Tweeted another. “Time for a fresh approach?”
England rugby team not improving under Eddie Jones anymore, going backwards actually. Time for a fresh approach? #ENGvWAL
— Bones (@ianbones) February 26, 2022
“If England think they have any chance of winning the World Cup they really need to think again very poor against Wales squandered the lead no flair Marcus Smith the best they have Eddie Jones needs to sort it pronto,” wrote another peeved fan.
If England think they have any chance of winning the World Cup they really need to think again very poor against Wales squandered the lead no flair Marcus Smith the best they have Eddie Jones needs to sort it pronto #ENGvWAL
— lindylou (@lindadillon17) February 27, 2022
England are four points behind France, who beat Scotland earlier on Saturday for a third straight win.
- additional reporting AAP
Comments on RugbyPass
What a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to comments