Borthwick’s boys Sinck Wales after week of disruption
Wales England 20
10 PHIL BLANCHE
BY STEVE BORTHWICK hailed his players’ composure and intelligence after England won for the first time in Wales since 2017.
They fell behind at the start of the second period in Cardiff but an instant response from Kyle Sinckler sent them on their way to a deserved victory.
“The response of the players after Wales scored an interception try at the start of the second half was magnificent,” said coach Borthwick.
“Wales took the game into a kicking contest and it became a real pressure battle. But the players adapted really well to win that pressure battle.
“The two halves were very different but that tells me a lot about our players. How intelligent and composed they are on the pitch, you could see the response to the try.
“They’ve had those knockbacks in Cardiff before and not responded, so it shows how the team is growing with Owen Farrell’s leadership.”
England led a tense contest 8-3 at the break with winger Anthony Watson’s try at the corner giving them a narrow advantage.
But Louis Reeszammit’s interception score gave Wales hope that they could end a tumultuous week on a high. Wales’ players had threatened strike action due to several off-field issues before a peace deal was brokered on Wednesday. England, however, regained control through Sinckler’s score and a late third try from Ollie Lawrence secured Borthwick’s men a second win in three Championship matches.
Wales coach Warren Gatland said: “The week was challenging, we realise and understand that but we were not making any excuses.” WALES: