In a sensational win over Wales, England have got their 2015 RBS Six Nations campaign off to a perfect start. It was well documented how important this match was for Stuart Lancaster’s side if they wanted to stamp their mark on this years tournament, especially in a World Cup year and more so as hosts of it. A travel to Cardiff demanded the best from a somewhat depleted England side, but disappoint they did not.
England vs Wales – Six Nations Round One Round Down
The forwards were strong and steadfast, a credit to coach Graham Rowntree who’s celebration at end of play said it all. Captain Chris Robshaw made 23 tackles, more than any other man on the pitch, including his Welsh counterpart Sam Warburton who only made 17. From the beginning with the tunnel stand-off, and ongoing into a cauldron of intense Welsh patriotism, Robshaw kept his head and led with the upmost composure. The passion of the crowd didn’t seem to phase the Harlequins number seven, who harvested the pressure for better use, increasingly in the second half. Another forward who stood out was James Haskell, not only for his defensive strength but his persistent and punchy performance in attack. Running into the post after a terrific battle to the line, it was debated whether a try should be awarded for Haskell’s attempt, however the ball failed to ground. Determined to cement an impression as a worthy contender for future games, it was a shame for the Wasps captain not to add points to the scoreboard, although a bigger shame would be for him to miss out on a starting spot against Italy on Saturday.
Dan Cole came back to the game with a bang; despite a long stint of injury keeping him playing for either England or Leicester Tigers, his brutish strength and experience as a British and Irish Lion overwhelmed Wales in the scrum, aiding England’s 100% success at scrums. Dylan Hartley managed to channel his enthusiasm in the correct way, staying relatively under the radar for his 55 minutes before being subbed for an eager Tom Youngs. Perhaps this is a new, calmer side to the hooker that we are seeing? It certainly didn’t do any harm against Wales, especially when it was thought Warren Gatland’s side would target his hot-headed tendencies.
Somebody else who managed to handle the occasion was Bath’s George Ford. On his first Six Nations start, Ford kicked 11 points including two penalties at crucial points of the game. With the possibility of Wales making a late comeback, Ford showed nerves of steel and composure expected of a player with much more experience and a lot less to prove. His clever control at midfield and prolific involvement during the match (made 41 metres, second highest within the England team) earned him a Man of the Match status. A young man with immense talent, for a moment or two the absence of a certain Owen Farrell seemed not so concerning.
It was in fact all players from Bath Rugby who kept the scoreboard ticking over on England’s behalf; Anthony Watson responding to Rhys Webb’s early try with an uplifting five points in the first 15 minutes, and Jonathan Joseph who made his first appearance in a white shirt since 2013. His emphatic try followed a magical sequence of flair, fast feet and side-stepping to cross over the line, leaving Dan Lydiate for dust. Another player using this vital year to find his form, England need not worry just yet over the injuries within camp, with Joseph making the 13 shirt harder for Manu Tuilagi to reclaim. Tuilagi, Tom Wood, Geoff Parling and Kyle Eastmond are all back training with England, bolstering England’s chances of Grand Slam glory as the tournament continues. Billy Vunipola and Mike Brown made impressive statistics, with 14 carries each (most of either side) and Brown making up a huge 82 metres during the 80 minutes, far more than Wales’ full-back Leigh Halfpenny.
A great start for Lancaster’s side then. Promised as one of their toughest fixtures of this year’s Six Nations, England left Millennium Stadium singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot in a mighty victory over Wales. To repeat this fixture in the World Cup pool stages later on this year, the winning side can build on the confidence earned in Friday night’s triumph. However, more immediately, attentions will be drawn to Saturday’s game, where England will welcome Italy to the fortress that is Twickenham, in the hope to continue Six Nations glory.
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