England secured their second win of the 2024 Six Nations in a hard-fought battle against Wales, but former scrum half Matt Dawson wasn’t impressed with their commitment to entertaining the fans.
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Echoing their previous match in Rome, England found themselves behind at halftime, with Wales scoring a penalty try and an Alex Mann score, putting the home team’s unbeaten streak since 2015 under threat.
Yet, England mounted a comeback in the second half, with Fraser Dingwall’s try narrowing the margin to just one point before George Ford’s crucial penalty sealed the victory.
With this triumph, England climbs to the top of the Six Nations standings, maintaining a flawless record in the tournament. Despite suffering consecutive defeats, Wales managed to secure a losing bonus point and retain fifth place.
“They have come out of their bubble to say they care how the fans feel and that they know what the fans want,” he wrote in his BBC column.
“That is fine, but it gives the public the right to reply.
“The performance was not necessarily how they said they would do it. It was not raining heavily and there were loads of opportunities to play in a different way. The modern generation of England players feel like they want to entertain the public but you have to be able to stand by that.
“Some of the opportunities you get in the game give you the chance to entertain, when they would ordinarily be box-kicking the ball.
“I don’t think the fans care too much about making the pre-match walk to the dressing room longer, but they do care about being dominant in every facet of the play rather than scraping through by a couple of points.
“If they go out there and win games with physicality, endeavour and striking at the right time, I can guarantee the fans will go wild. What excites the fans is them turning up to Twickenham and thinking no visitors win here.”
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“Hero to zero” – 5 England players who underperformed against Wales
Looking ahead to the next match against Scotland at Murrayfield in two weeks, we identify four players who may need to step out of the starting team.
#1. Ethan Roots
Evening Standard 6/10: “Showed his inexperience at the level for his yellow card, but recovered as the game progressed.”
Telegraph 5/10: “Struggled to match the heights of last week, losing the ball in contact deep inside the Welsh 22 before conceding a penalty and yellow card for killing a maul.”
Planet Rugby 4/10: “A great debut last week but not so good this time around. The yellow card was needless as all he had to do was hold them up as he had got onto the ball.”
RUCK 6/10: “Collapsed the maul as Wales trundle towards the goal-line. Awarded a yellow card as Wales get a penalty try. Provided a new role as a line out jumper at the back. Spilt the ball after 47 minute re-start. Didnt have the best game to build on his MOTM performance v Italy, but put in strong hits around the pitch. Off for Alex Coles (72)”