Blame my errors for lack of points, says Tindall
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Not that his wonderfully crooked hooter would allow it, but Mike Tindall was not about to let his nose grow by fibbing. Two weeks after marrying into the royal family, England's captain took responsibility for his team's failure. "It was my error that we should have taken a few more points in the first half," he said. "Our completion rate was not good enough."
The question of leadership vexes England. It can be a cliché but it was real enough in the final 10 minutes here, when Wales were down to 14 men with a seven-point lead. Lewis Moody had appeared the likely World Cup captain, but he injured a knee last week and is anyway a debatable choice as first-choice openside flanker.
We looked to see whether Tindall or the other skipper this year, Nick Easter at No 8, would get a grip. Easter set up a maul that was halted by a penalty to Wales for obstruction. Tindall and his backs had the ball but not the cohesion or inspiration.
Tindall is a defensive lynchpin but the stolidity of his pairing with Shontayne Hape means the identity of England's captain and their starting line-up are unknown, 15 days before they fly toNew Zealand.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments