Wales v England Match Report
England
By Kath 23/8/03
August 23 2003
England demonstrated their strength in depth today with a huge stamp of authority, beating Wales at Cardiff in a strong and patient performance. This England team was claimed by most (apart from Clive Woodward), as England's second string team .
It must be remembered that 10 of the players who played today, played in the team that beat the New Zealand Maori in June this year.
Who would be in Clive Woodward's shoes, attempting to choose who stays and who goes!
From the first minute of kick off England piled the pressure on Wales and were only 5yards off the Wales line, when Wales knocked on. Unfortunately although England opted for the corner and line out, Mark Regan's throw was not good and the ball was cleared.
This pressure was applied throughout the game from start to finish, minute by minute. It was not long before England got their first penalty - Alex King stepping up to take the kick and missed.
Wales drew first blood with a penalty kick not long after by Stephen Jones and then England were awarded another penalty 16mins into the game. Again Alex stepped up and this time the ball went over, he put another penalty over minutes before Lewis Moody went in for the first try of the match - although Wales players were claiming the ball was held up - the Referee said not and Alex converted.
King seemed to have settled or so I thought but then we had another penalty miss! He did strike a lovely Drop Goal and his overall game had some inspired moments. However, the kicking is a problem!
Half Time Wales 9 vs. England 16
Alex had another three penalty opportunities immediately in the second half and missed all three. The ball toppling over for him at one point and IDIOT Streaker running on in front of him - who would not have lost a bit of nerve by then - only one player I know would have overcome that situation but he has already booked his seat on the flight to Perth!
Dan Luger took an awful knock and went down, from one of the camera angles he looked dazed and quite ill I thought and then as if on automatic pilot Luger goes in for a try and Alex converted. Luger still looked dazed and it was not long after that he came off and Ollie Smith came on.
Another penalty Alex gets it! 62min into the game Worsely goes in the corner for the next try but again King misses the conversion.
England were looking so powerful now and Wales frankly were just not in the game their points all came from penalties scored by Stephen Jones and overall in the second half their players looked really tired.
It was a very hot and humid day in Cardiff but the England players showed their fitness and stamina. Lots of replacements on both sides throughout the second half. Dave Walder on now for injured Alex King.
Walder passes the ball out to Abbott who runs a brilliant line and goes into score his Debut try for England - Dave Walder sun in his eyes fails to convert. Walder drives the ball down field - Danny Grewcock takes the ball, England drive forward and over the line a Dorian West try - Dave Walder converted.
Simon Shaw was named Investec Challenge Man of the Match by Stuart Barnes - Simon had an excellent performance he was all over the field and driving forward. Simpson Daniel had a wonderful moment in the first half, I just wish he had gone on - I reckon he would have beat his man and scored. Jamie Noon worked so hard around the park, picking up and driving - he did miss a couple of tackles but overall a good performance. The replacements when they came on also played their part but they did not have much time to show what they could do really. Jason Leonard led by example and was a true captain.
Players who I think who have booked places in the 30 man squad are Simon Shaw, Lewis Moody, Andy Gomarsall and Jason Leonard - who was my Man of the Match.
This is no doubt a sad day for Wales but they will grow from this - they just have to!