England have continued their Six Nations campaign with their second consecutive win, after a dramatic comeback was achieved against Wales. Ben Earl was the star man on the day, as the back-row routinely battered his way over the Wales defensive line, to contribute a try in a Player of the Match Performance.
Here are five stand out moments or performances, from England’s win over Wales in the 2024 Six Nations.
1. “You’ve started you’re approach” – George Ford Denied the Scoreboard
After Ben Earl powered his way over the try-line to open England’s account, George Ford looked poised to add the extra two points from the tee to draw England back level to 7-7. However, the Sale man was denied the chance to strike at goal, as Rio Dyer and Elliot Dee charged down the conversion attempt and kicked the ball from the tee. George was irate at the disruption, yet the referee saw no wrong doing from the Welsh players.
“You’re still, and then you’ve moved to the side. That means you’ve approached the ball.” Those were the words from New Zealand match official James Doleman, with the referee not phased by any potential foul play. Ford had to wait until the 47th minute to get onto the scoreboard as he sent a penalty sailing through the uprights. It was not a textbook day for the fly half from the tee, as he also failed to add the extras following Fraser Dingwall’s try in the left hand corner.
2. The Outstanding Ben Earl
England’s best performer against their age-old opponents, Earl continued to breath belief into his teammates as England battled back for a comeback victory. Speaking on the TV broadcast following the match, legendary England back-row Laurence Dallaglio prominently sang Earl’s praises.
“He was England’s best player at the Rugby World Cup, he’s outstanding both sides of the ball. Then he’s gone back to his club, he’s picked up an injury, he’s got himself back again and sort of found his way back into it against Italy. I just think he’s got that kind of real dynamism, he’s got that injection of pace.
“Listen, he’s come to his rescue time after time. England are desperate for ball carriers, to get them over the advantage line. All he does is looking for the gaps, looking to use his footwork and fantastic power just to get over the line. Very, very impressive, considering that he’s playing out of position, he’s not used to number eight. England’s best player today.”