England edge Wales in Six Nations

Sat, Feb 10, 2018, 8:58 PM
AAP
by AAP
England made it past Wales at Twickenham. Photo: Getty Images

Two tries from Jonny May helped England to a hard-fought 12-6 Six Nations victory over Wales at Twickenham.

England got off to the perfect start when a perfectly weighted kick by Owen Farrell landed just short of the line and was picked up by May to score.

Farrell skewed the resultant conversion wide and Wales missed the chance to reduce the deficit to just two points on seven minutes when Rhys Patchell missed with a long-range penalty attempt.

Relentless English pressure on the Welsh line was finally rewarded on 19 minutes when a fantastic offload from Joe Launchbury left May to stroll over the line unopposed.

It wasn't easy for England against Wales. Photo: Getty ImagesFarrell slotted over the extras to move England 12-0 in front although Wales almost breached the home side's defence three minutes later but the video official ruled Gareth Anscombe just failed to touch the ball down.

As penalty advantage was being played, Patchell was at least able to slot over a simple penalty to leave Wales trailing 12-3 at the break.

Wales enjoyed much more possession in the second half but a series of handling errors when in good positions allowed England to relieve the pressure time and time again.

The closest the visitors came to scoring a try came on 61 minutes when Scott Williams just failed to reach the corner, forced into touch by Sam Underhill having trying to slide in too early.

England finished the encounter the stronger but a turnover in the Welsh 22 resulted in a breakout that finished with a simple penalty in front of the posts for Anscombe to make it 12-6 and put the Welsh needing a converted try for victory with 5 minutes remaining.

But the final minutes were played entirely in the Welsh half as England closed out to register a second successive win in their quest for an historic third Six Nations crown in a row.

However, coach Eddie Jones will be concerned that his side failed to register a single point in the second half.

"We weren't at our best and Wales played very well," said Jones. "I'm so proud of our boys."

RESULT

England 12

Tries: May 2

Cons: Farrell

Wales 6

Pens: Patchell, Anscombe

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