DEBUTS: ENGLAND 19-17 WALES, TWICKENHAM
Joe Roberts: B+
Aside from the twice appearing Taine Plumtree, Joe Roberts was the stand-out debutant for Warren Gatland. The Scarlet played with the confidence of a multi-test veteran, and welcomed the pressure as he set off downfield. Roberts was soon introduced to the physicality of international test match rugby, as he had to deal with the powerful running lines of Ollie Lawrence.
He saved Wales from conceding the opening try of the match, as Ben Earl charged down a loose ball that was bouncing in-goal. Roberts knocked the ball out of his reach, with centre partner Nick Tompkins grounding the threat. The Scarlet also gave Arundell a shove for good measure, after the England winger was given a yellow card for his hit on Liam Williams, after the fullback called for the mark.
In similar fettle to Llewellyn’s introduction through George North, Roberts started off the fray with Saracen centre Nick Tompkins. However, Roberts was later entrusted by Gatland to lead the midfield, as he linked up with fellow debutant Kieran Williams for the final 20 minutes.
Kieran Williams: D
The Ospreys centre stepped up to the occasion, as he was entrusted by Gatland to run out in a midfield partnership alongside co-debutant Joe Roberts. Running on full of fire on the 58 minute mark, Williams worked hard to make an impact, yet faltered alongside his squad after replacing Nick Tompkins.
Williams did not exactly have a stand-out performance from the inside centre, yet he will be happy to get the debut under his belt and push on for a Rugby World Cup place. The Osprey’s performance was overshadowed by the dramatic finale to the Twickenham match action, with Gatland’s side throwing away the lead to a side that at one stage fielded just 12 men.
Kemsley Mathias: C
Kemsley Mathias made his Wales debut nine minutes into the second half, as he replaced Tomas Francis with Gatland shaking up the front row. Mathias started off his Wales test debut with an instant impact, forcing England to hand over possession with a scrum penalty. Kemsley worked hard to hit the rucks, and was often a supporting line to the ball carriers. A solid option to make the hard yards, Mathias worked his socks off around the park.
Mathias then struggled against Will Stuart, who is becoming a man who enjoys taking Welsh debutants to the cleaners after having a field day against Corey Domachowksi in Cardiff. Following that Mathias jostled in the scrum against a true old-school veteran, as Dan Cole packed down the scrum for the last 25 minutes.