5 things we learned

By Will Kelleher

Clash rarely disappoints

FOR all the flaws this old Championship may have, it does come up with some crackers. This was a brilliantly brutal, tight and tense Test match that lived up to the considerable hype. A late winner was all this one deserved, a fitting end to a wonderful game. This was what the Six Nations is all about.

Don’t forget the front row

ALL the talk in the build-up was of the back-row battle, England’s youth and inexperience against the wise Welsh heads. That was until the second scrum of the match when Dan Cole battered Tomas Francis on his own goal-line, winning the penalty and keeping the Welsh out. In games like this you can never forget the front row, the momentum they provide is vital.

Hartley hooked again

DYLAN HARTLEY rarely finishes a game for England these days. Eddie Jones hooked his captain after 46 minutes, bringing on the more dynamic Jamie George. There are not many nations in the rugby world that would lose their captain so early, but Jones seems to be content to pass the armband to Owen Farrell.

Moriarty the lion?

WHEN Rob Howley took off Ross Moriarty after 52 minutes, it shocked many inside the Principality Stadium – why would you take off a man having his best afternoon in a red jersey? The Wales No 8 marmalised England with some enormous tackles, carried well and was a constant nuisance. On this evidence he is on his way to New Zealand with the Lions.

England just keep going

THIS should go down as one of England’s best victories in their 16-match winning streak. They really had no right to win it. It is of enormous credit to this England side that they do not know when they are beaten. It was a remarkable victory.