TOPS/FLOPS – The defensive solidity of the XV of the Rose but the lack of success of Farrell… Find out what caught the attention of the editorial staff.
TOPS
An iron defense
So, yes, the English have conceded this Saturday a try against Wales. But overall, Steve Borthwick’s men were solid defensively. In the first half and in the wake of Lewis Ludlam or Jack Willis, the Rose players proved intractable in countering all the Welsh offensives. The ruck zones have also been mastered by the English third lines who have also recovered several penalties in this sector of play.
Watson finds his way to the in-goal
Anthony Watson did not have much to do this Saturday against Wales. But on his first ball, the Leicester winger, served by Alex Dombrandt in the corner, goes to score the first try of the game. In selection, Watson had not scored since March 13, 2021 against … At the XV of France. The winger or full-back had not been retained by Steve Borthwick but was called up after several injuries. This Saturday, he notably took advantage of the absence of Ollie Hassell-Collins to shine.
Watson scored England’s first try. ANDREW BOYERS / REUTERS
FLOPS
Valiant Welsh but…
In the state of mind, Warren Gatland’s men responded. Also in combat. But offensively, the players of Leek’s XV were too little dangerous to create danger in the English defense. However, at the end of the first half, the Welsh chained two long sequences of play, all annihilated by a hand fault or an English scratch. Louis Rees-Zammit’s essay appears as the tree that hides the forest…
Farrell in trouble
For two matches, Owen Farrell has recovered a starting place at the opening, relegating Marcus Smith to the bench. But this Saturday, the Saracens opener was in trouble. In his defense, a direct ball into touch (23rd) and four missed kicks against the poles. Little in sight offensively, he did not really weigh in the meeting.
Owen Farrell had four kick failures. PAUL ELLIS / AFP