Dan Lydiate says Wales still hurting from England loss
Wednesday 25 May 2016 22:27, UK
Dan Lydiate has admitted Wales still feel the pain of their Six Nations no-show against England that arguably cost them this season's title.
Lydiate and company return to Twickenham on Sunday for another appointment with their fierce rivals.
This time, there will be no Six Nations points at stake, just important preparation before Wales head off on a demanding three-Test mission against the world champion All Blacks in New Zealand and England face Australia in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
But that does not mean Wales have forgotten events of 10 weeks ago, when they arrived at Twickenham unbeaten in the tournament and full of expectation.
England, though, had other ideas, building up leads of 16-0, 19-0 and 25-7 before late converted tries from George North and Taulupe Faletau threatened a spectacular Wales revival after they had been outplayed for so long.
Live International Rugby Union
England ultimately held on for a four-point success, with Wales left to reflect on what might have been.
"The first half of that Six Nations game is still hurting," 56 times-capped flanker Lydiate said.
"We've got a chance now to play against the Grand Slam-winning side, and the boys are really looking forward to it.
"We are still scratching our heads now about the first half. It was tough watching it back, and nobody wants to feel like we did after that game again. We've just got to make sure our preparation is right and we fly into the game.
"All credit to England, they flew into us and we were found wanting. We weren't at the races at all.
"It's always a big challenge going there, but one that you relish. We are looking forward to this weekend to hopefully start the tour off on a strong foot.
"Both sides will get a lot out of having a big hit before going out on our tours.
"You always rub your hands together when you get the chance to play England, and hopefully it will serve both teams well to have a really good blow-out and get back to that international intensity before we go down under."
