FAF ROW MARS WIN
FROM BACK PAGE on a war of words with Stuart Broad. Replays appeared to suggest that Broad had called Du Plessis “an idiot”.
Du Plessis replied:
“Don’t call me that!” after bumping his shoulder with Buttler (right).
Soon after the incident, Du Plessis was dismissed by Ben Stokes for 35, putting an end to a 92-run partnership with Rassie van der Dussen and opening the game up for England to pour through. Joe Root felt the incident, sparked by a throw from Sam Curran that hit Du Plessis on the pads, was the turning point.
The England skipper said: “There was a bit of an exchange in the middle after Sam threw that ball in. We stuck together as a unit and that did change the game.”
JAMES ANDERSON: 7 Produced the goods when he played and made a big impact at Cape Town, but his body is letting him down more often now at 37
JOFRA ARCHER: 6
A hugely frustrating tour for Archer who took a five-wicket haul in his only game but had to battle with injury thereafter
DOM BESS: 7
A really positive impact from a guy who only joined the tour as illness cover. The young spinner has come on leaps and bounds
MARTYN WILLIAMS’ 104 Test caps and two Grand Slams made him a Wales legend.
But the former flanker says he has never seen a Dragons squad as good as Wayne Pivac’s class of 2020.
Wales face Italy in Saturday’s Six Nations opener for what will be Pivac’s first competitive game as head coach since succeeding Warren Gatland.
Williams (right), who is the new Wales team manager, said: “It is the most talented group of players Wales have had and that’s why it is a pleasure coming into this group. What they have done over the past few years has been incredible.
“It is an exciting squad with a good balance, and fresh voices coming in as well.”
Pivac has recalled experienced duo Taulupe Faletau and Rhys Webb, and must decide whether to gamble on his new Englishbased contingent.
Gloucester’s 18-year-old wing sensation Louis ReesZammit, Saracens centre Nick Tompkins, Sale prop WillGriff John and Will Rowlands of Wasps are all pushing to take their international bows.