Wales boss: Can England win those crucial ties?
WALES boss Warren Gatland questioned England’s ability to win the games which matter after his team posted their stunning 21-13 victory over the Six Nations title favourites.
Gatland’s men turned a gripping Principality Stadium contest on its head and sent Wales top of the table, wrecking England’s Grand Slam hopes.
It left the hosts two wins away from achieving a third clean sweep since Gatland took charge 11 years ago.
England led 10-3 at the break but Wales fought back to claim a first Six Nations triumph against England since 2013 and record a 12th successive victory, breaking their record that had stood since 1910.
“England were outstanding in the first two games,” Gatland said. “I look back on England in the last few years.
“When it has really mattered, I have questioned whether they can win these big games.
“We have had a record of being pretty good in them.
“We are in a good position because you guys (media) were all talking England up, saying there was going to be 15 points in it.
“We knew exactly where we were, and I said to the players they (England) had no idea what animal was turning up this week - but we did.
“It was probably one of the best weeks I have had with the team. I have been involved with a lot of teams and yesterday’s captain’s run was as good as I have ever seen.”
Gatland called England prop Kyle Sinckler an emotional “timebomb” during the build-up and the Harlequins forward conceded two penalties Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe kicked before being substituted.
“I thought he carried well, defended well, the set-piece was good,” Gatland added.
“He is a fantastic rugby player but he does have a few demons to deal with.”
Eddie Jones responded to that statement by making an impassioned defence of the Harlequins prop.
He said: “I did not know Warren had a degree in clinical psychology, so let me know and I might go and see him as well.”
After destructive wins against Ireland and France, England were brought down to earth in Cardiff.
Jones added: “The world has not ended. I guarantee you the world is still out there and we will learn from this.
“Full credit to Wales, they played very well and deserved to win.”