It was not to be for Wales on the day, but they would come close to an almighty upset after being written off by many in the build-up to the match against their great rivals from across the Seven Bridge.
Wales’ two-point defeat followed a one-point loss to Scotland in the opening match in Cardiff last weekend, however, was in complete contrast having led for 75 minutes of the game in London.
England’s ill-discipline would be a key factor in the first half as the Welsh would lead at the break. Leicester lock Ollie Chessum and Exeter flanker Ethan Roots both penalised and sent to the sin bin within the first quarter of the game.
The Welsh would take the initiative laying onslaught toward the English line and forced a series of errors from the home side to take the lead with a penalty try awarded for repeated chopping of the maul.
Despite being two men down, England struck back immediately with number eight Ben Earls charging off the scrum to evade four Welsh tackles before powering over the try-line in spectacular fashion.
Alex Mann’s second try in as many games gave Wales the lead after Tommy Reffell’s superb run and offload to scrum-half Tomos WIlliams allowed the Cardiff flanker to finish with style.
It would be a deserved nine-point lead at the break, but England would come back with grit and fight to chip away at the scoreboard. George Ford reducing the scoreline to within touching distance with an early penalty after Josh Adams had knocked-on a spiral kick.
Wales would have their chances but could not finish. Dragons winger Rio Dyer fumbling when well placed, whilst Adams came close on the opposite side.
With the Red Roses sensing a comeback they started to dominate within the Welsh twenty-two and would punish their oppositions missed opportunities. Centre Fraser Dingwall scoring in the corner to drag England to within a point.
With Wales under siege, replacement Mason Grady would deliberately knock-on to deny an England run-in handing Ford the chance to put the home side ahead.
The resulting penalty in front of the posts duly converted by the veteran fly-half ultimately sending the visitors to defeat.
“In fairness to England, they came into the second half with a kicking strategy and game, they got some reward out of it. We probably didn’t manage it as well as we could have,” said Gatland.
“We are going to be a good team; it’s just going to take us a little bit of time. Some players are learning about game management, and they learn it from experiences.
“I’m excited by this group. I just think what we’ve shown in the last couple of weeks, we know it’s things that will make us a lot better and we will improve.
“Hopefully people on the outside can see what we’re trying to do as a squad. They’ve made a massive amount of progress in a few weeks.
“We came here today without any fear and a lot of confidence we could win the game. Unfortunately, we fell a little short.
“We did some good things and things that we will tidy up going forward. It’s disappointing but it’s a young side that is going to continue to improve.
“I thought we showed some great character, and it was a game there for us to win and I am proud of the effort.”
Gatland’s side next travel to face Ireland in Dublin on 24 February before home games against France and Italy.
Wales XV:
Cam Winnett, Rio Dyer, George North, Nick Tompkins, Josh Adams, Ioan Lloyd, Tomos Williams, Gareth Thomas, Elliot Dee, Keiron Assiratti, Dafydd Jenkins (captain), Adam Beard, Alex Mann, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements:
Ryan Elias, Corey Domachowski, Archie Griffin, Will Rowlands, Taine Basham, Keiron Hardy, Cai Evans, Mason Grady.
[Lead image: Welsh Rugby Union]
