Without particularly shining, England made their superior power speak to win on Saturday on the lawn of Wales (10-20).
It certainly did not remove all the doubts about it, but England ensured the essential, namely the victory, Saturday February 25, in Cardiff. Dominating but often feverish, the XV of the Rose still managed to bend the Welsh, still in distress, and who will certainly dispute the last place of the Tournament with Italy. Itoje’s partners remain in the race for the final victory in this 2023 edition of the Tournament, but they will have to significantly raise their level of play against France and Ireland, their next opponents.
19th minute: Watson in wall-piercing
The English domination, confused but real at the start of the match, finally finds its conclusion with the first try of the match signed by Anthony Watson. The winger of the XV de la Rose, at the end of the line, inherits a ball perfectly negotiated in 4 against 2 after a regrouping in the open field. The speed and the dive of Watson, author for the occasion of his 23rd test in selection, do the rest and England stands out.
41st minute: Rees-Zammit is dynamite
He was the hope of the country. Louis Rees-Zammit, one of the only world-class players in a Leek XV that had become overripe, gave hope to his people as soon as the restart by intercepting an uninspired pass from Malins in the middle of the field. Without opposition, the young winger made his burst of speed speak to go flatten and restart the match. It was necessary this kind of exploit to get Wales out of the quagmire, unable also to create the game on classic phases.
45th minute: Sinckler showers Welsh enthusiasm
While the Dragons had just taken control of the score for the first time in the match, and against the course of the game, England, stung, reacted almost immediately: after several flush charges, prop Kyle Sinckler scored in strength between the posts and a forest of Welsh arms. As a symbol, this test reflects the physical domination of the English, who return to a restrictive but effective game to bend the Welsh.
75th minute: Lawrence seals English success
While the Welsh, despite their glaring weaknesses, remain within reach (10-15) and threaten to create a hold-up, England buries their last hopes with, finally, a class action. After a succession of playing time, boosted by the entry of scrum half Alex Mitchell, the three-quarter center Ollie Lawrence tears away to flatten and offer a victory, sluggish but precious, to his people.