RBS Six Nations: Stuart Lancaster hails England's second-half performance in Wales win
Saturday 7 February 2015 13:56, UK
Stuart Lancaster praised England’s second-half intensity after they came from 16-8 down to beat Wales 21-16 in their RBS Six Nations opener at the Millennium Stadium on Friday night.
Junior World Championship graduates Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph and George Ford claimed all the points as England gained the psychological advantage ahead of the Rugby World Cup pool match between the sides in September.
Watson dotted down in the first half and Joseph after a 20-phase second-half drive, while Ford managed the game excellently and kicked 11 points from fly-half.
“First and foremost we’re just delighted to get the win,” reflected head coach Lancaster. “Being 10-0 down and then closing the gap I thought Dan Biggar’s drop-goal just before half-time was a crucial moment, it gave them a 16-8 lead.
“We gave ourselves a bit of work to do, but I am delighted with the second-half performance.
“I thought we really upped our intensity and to get 13 unanswered points was great. For a young side to come here a get a win is fantastic.”
Watson’s score came following a deft kick from full-back Mike Brown, while Joseph evaded two tacklers to take his try.
“I thought both tries were really well taken,” he added. “Mike Brown’s attacking kicking game has really come on, another string to his bow.
“We probably created three or four different opportunities in the second half, but the try JJ took was a special moment.”
Wales boasted twice as many caps as England, but Lancaster insists he was also confident in the his side’s abilities heading into the Six Nations.
“Because of our defeat here two years ago and the lessons we learnt, it was one of the best days in the job,” he said.
“Not only did we focus on two years ago, but also drew strength from our performance last year and the way we finished the autumn series.
“Even though we had new combination and changes from the Australia game, we had a good side and were confident if we stuck to the plan we could do something today.”
