There was a disgusting inevitability about the final 10 minutes as momentum swung behind the courageous Welsh, with Gareth Davies capitalising on poor defence to cross under the posts before Biggar landed the winning penalty with five minutes remaining. “It should be shared by all of the boys today”, added the 25-year-old Ospreys stand-off.
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England’s Rugby World Cup defeat to Wales must fall largely into the self-inflicted category, not ignoring of course the monumental effort from Saturday’s victors. “Our discipline was poor, we didn’t consolidate our points and they got back in it. I can’t believe we lost that Test match”.
“But we just have to keep showing the resilience we have shown so far in the competition”. The bonus point win against Fiji on game-day one could be pivotal for England, it’s knock out rugby from here on out.
“We are travelling back to Wales (on Saturday night), and it is going to be a quick turnaround. Congratulations Wales. A courageous and historic win”.
Next up for the Welsh is a fixture against Fiji in the Millennium Stadium and you can back Gatland’s men at 1/8 to win the contest.
“It could easily have ended up a draw as well”.
Wales coach Warren Gatland had urged his side to “smash” into England and there was no shortage of thunderous collisions in the opening quarter. With Joseph we are going to have to wait and see how he trains or if he can train on Tuesday.
“We expected that front throw on the lineout and did a good job to stop the maul”.
Should England lose, they will become the first single host nation to exit the tournament at the group stage.
But he must be fuming that the decision contributed in no small part to them losing against an admittedly fired-up Wales team who took their chances well. But rather than give Owen Farrell – who like Biggar landed all of his goal-kicks – another shot from out wide, they opted for a line-out in the hope of a match-clinching try.
“We have such a limited pool of players to choose from”.
The 23-year-old was shifted into midfield towards the end of the match against England after Scott Williams was forced off with a head injury. After several minutes treatment, Williams left the field on a medical cart and he must now begin the return to play protocols governing concussion.
In two matches, Fiji conceded 24 penalties, had three players yellow carded, flanker Dominiko Waqaniburotu was suspended for a unsafe tip tackle and now winger Nemani Nadolo has been cited for “an alleged act of foul play” against Australia and faces a judicial hearing tomorrow.
Wales lost centre Scott Williams to a knee injury after a tackle by Brad Barritt in the midfield, meaning he had to removed by a stretcher, which must be feeling like an unofficial mascot for Wales world cup campaign.
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Other ex-stars of the game agree, with Brian Moore writing in the Daily Telegraph that “England gave Wales an opportunity that should not have been there”. Wood insists the action was reckless but not deliberate.
