& BETTER!
England left red-faced as deadly Dan kicks Dragons to World No.1 Jones taunts: YOU are the favourites to win the World Cup now
SWUNWDWA.YP EDDIE JONES watched Wales beat England to rugby’s No.1 world ranking – then challenged them to prove their superiority at the World Cup.
The Red Rose boss had no answer to Wales’ on-field performance as Warren Gatland’s men forcibly avenged last week’s Twickenham beating.
But he was quick to react to England’s arch rivals knocking New Zealand off the top perch, mischievously telling them: “You are favourites for the World Cup now.
“When you go to to No.1, you’re favourites for the World Cup.”
Jones’ jibe failed to get a rise out of Gatland, who calmly celebrated his side’s 11th consecutive home victory.
“It’s just a number, isn’t it,” said the Kiwi.
“It is not something that we will shout from the roof-tops. We have got to keep things in perspective.
Accolade
“It is a nice accolade to have, but it is all about the next few months and backing that up by performing well in the World Cup.
“We’re not making a big fuss of it. We’ll keep it in our pocket and go from week to week.”
Dan Biggar was the architect of Wales’ victory, as has so often been the case against England down the years.
The fly-half, playing after first-choice No.10 Gareth Anscombe suffered a season-ending injury at Twickenham a week ago, made the game’s only try with two brilliant cross kicks.
He then blasted Welsh legend JJ Williams for so publicly doubting him in the build- up to this sold- out encounter.
“Special thanks to JJ Williams for all his comments pre- match,” he told the
Principality Stadium crowd at the end. “It’s been really motivating for the team.”
While Jones dressed up defeat as something of an irrelevance, Gatland hailed victory as “psychologically important” as “had we lost to England today that potentially has an impact if we are meeting them in a World Cup quarter-final.”
England had arrived in Cardiff with a reputation for starting fast, with tries in the first seven minutes of eight of their last nine matches.
But against a side which could barely remember its last defeat at home they ran into the proverbial brick wall.
A week after England rocked the Welsh with the power of their two-try first quarter, the boot was firmly on the other foot.
Value
Wales took control early on at the set-piece and were excellent value for their 10-point lead long before George North scored on 33 minutes.
England will kick themselves for not being alive to the danger. Seconds after England v Ireland Next Saturday, Twickenham,
3pm