Pride Restored

By Lestyn
February 25 2003

When it came down to it, it was not the result that mattered that much in the end. What really mattered was that every single player in red gave their all. It may of been a defeat, but at least it offers some hope for the future.

Many suggested a record win to the visitors, based on recent form and past internationals between the sides, their was only likely to be one winner on the day. Although the expected loss happened, the manner in which England were made to fight all the way for victory, made it a thrilling game to watch.

The Italy game created a real rush for people to offload there tickets, but those who remained loyal tried their best to roar on a side showing seven un-enforced changes. Newly appointed captain Jonathan Humphries had a key role in not only motivating his side but also keeping our lineout together.

It was a real gesture to the crowd when the team took a lap round the pitch before heading into the changing room's before kick off. We all knew it was to be vital not to concede a try in the opening minutes, or the dreaded avalanche of tries would begin.

But it was a testament to us, that only Wilkinson's boot separated the sides for most of the game. The Falcon's outside half struck a penalty over in front of the post's with ease, it was disappointing considering the domination We had managed in the opening exchanges.

Sweeney on His debut soon levelled thing's up with a penalty, but not for the last time in the game, Wilkinson stroked a drop goal over, to re-establish the upper hand at 6-3. Sweeney had another chance to level, but this time Ponty's third choice kicker could only push across the face of the post's. But He was soon to make up for it with a penalty from a similar distance.

England were finding few gap's in our determined defence, Wilkinson yet again was forced to drop a goal. The fly half's usually sound left foot pulled a penalty wide minutes later. At 9-6 this was very much a contest.

Having staved off numerous English attacks, We began to make more inroads into their 22, but every time they refused to budge. That was up until a rare break from a rejuvenated Mark Taylor, the Swansea outside centre broke through leaving Wilkinson trailing in His path and with Rhys Williams on His outside shoulder it looked like a certain try awaited, only for Taylor to go it alone and get wrapped up just yards from the line, His attempted pop to Shanklin was knocked out of His hands with the try line gaping.

Another big opportunity went begging, this time replacement wing Christophers was to blame, Gareth Thomas in His attempt to catch a cross field kick by Sweeney, was knocked over. The referee may have been tempted to award a penalty try, but instead He sin binned Christophers and only gave a penalty. Sweeney pushed the penalty wide.

But instead of taking advantage with them down to fourteen men, England were the side to take push forward. Sidoli made a superb steal in the lineout, however Sweeney crucially missed touch with a penalty minutes later. The ball was ran back, and after several phases of possession, Greenwood found Gavin Thomas napping in front of the post's. The Quins centre was able to plough through Thomas's tackle with ease. Wilkinson converted to extend the lead to ten points.

The next score was to be crucial on the game's outcome. Steve Williams's sin bin was a major blow, and Joe Worsely drove over from short range to capitalise. Realistically any hope of victory was over.

In desperation Hansen took off Humphries, Evans and Gavin Thomas for the return of Steve Williams from the bin, "squad" captain Charvis came on with Gethin Jenkins.

The changes sparked a surge of attacks into the English 22, the tide was now turning in our favour. Constant pressure, saw England concede a penalty in-front of the post's for Sweeney to convert. Hansen made two more brave changes in bringing Harris and Watkins on for Shanklin and Rhys Williams respectively.

But England hit back, Wilkinson's elusiveness allowed him to break through a tackle, the resulting ruck broke down and Wilkinson yet again kicked the points.

More desperate Welsh attacks failed to result in anything, and to the relief of both set's of players the final whistle was blown.

Man of the match -Robert Sidoli

Like all the forwards last week Sid had a shocker, but the Ponty lock turned in a truly world class display. In the lineouts He was simply awesome, him and Humph combined to earn us a one hundred percent success rate on our on line out ball, as well as stealing several of the English throws.

The scorers:

For Wales:
Pens: Sweeney 3

For England:
Tries: Greenwood, J Worsley
Cons: Wilkinson 2
Pens: Wilkinson 2
DGs: Wilkinson 2

The teams:

Wales: 15 Kevin Morgan, 14 Rhys Williams (66, Iestyn Harris), 13 Mark Taylor, 12 Tom Shanklin (64, Matthew Watkins), 11 Gareth Thomas, 10 Ceri Sweeney, 9 Gareth Cooper, 8 Gavin Thomas (67, Colin Charvis), 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Dafydd Jones, 5 Steve Williams (73, Gareth Llewellyn), 4 Robert Sidoli, 3 Ben Evans (67, Gethin Jenkins), 2 Jonathan Humphreys (captain, 67, Gareth Williams), 1 Iestyn Thomas.
Replacement not used: 20 Dwayne Peel.

Sin bin: Steve Williams 55-65

England: 15 Jason Robinson (38, Phil Christophers), 14 Dan Luger, 13 Will Greenwood, 12 Charlie Hodgson, 11 Ben Cohen (80, Andy Gomarsall), 10 Jonny Wilkinson (78, James Simpson-Daniel), 9 Kyran Bracken , 8 Richard Hill (41-51, James Simpson-Daniel), 7 Neil Back (55, Joe Worsley), 6 Lawrence Dallaglio, 5 Ben Kay (62, Danny Grewcock), 4 Martin Johnson (captain), 3 Robbie Morris, 2 Steve Thompson, 1 Graham Rowntree.
Replacements not used: 16 Mark Regan, 17 Mike Worsley.

Sin bin: Christophers 41-51

Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Andrew Cole (Australia), Alain Rolland (Ireland)

More reaction throughout the week