Freddie Steward of England runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Nick Tompkins of Wales. Photo / Getty Images.
England 16
Wales 14
England came from behind at Twickenham to subdue Wales 16-14 in Six Nations rugby on Saturday.
With two wins from two games, England moved to the top of the standings with defending champion Ireland having a game in hand against Italy on Sunday.
England was down at halftime for a second straight test after Italy last weekend and prevailed again.
It climbed from 14-5 behind at halftime — when it was down to 13 men — by controlling the second half thanks to a better kicking game, defense, and a far more experienced bench. The sustained pressure earned England a try and two penalties to get in front for the first time in the 72nd minute and comfortably stay there as Wales ran out of ideas.
A new-look Wales side with seven changes from the one-point comeback loss at home to Scotland last weekend was still impressive. It led England at Twickenham at halftime for the first time in the Six Nations era but after giving away no penalties in the first half, Wales lost its discipline in the second spell and finished with 14 men.
Replacement wing Mason Grady was sin-binned in the 71st minute for a deliberate knock-on, and George Ford slotted the penalty that put England ahead for good.
Scott Robertson has resisted any temptation to rotate his side for the All Blacks’ year-ending test against Italy, naming as strong a side as possible for Sunday’s clash.