Welsh win marks for audacity

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

WALES lost at Twickenham yesterday because the penalty count went horrendously against them and because of the suicidal tendencies of their young backs, who ran when they should have kicked. However, such was their brightness, effrontery and sheer downright cheek in the opening half-hour that their later trespasses can be forgiven.

"This young side could become unstoppable if the Welsh fans get behind them when they meet Scotland in two weeks time," Kevin Bowring, the Welsh coach, said. "We sent 10 players into battle against England who had never appeared at Twickenham and they gave a good account of themselves."

For the first 37 minutes, they had England on the rack. It was not until England decided to take critical scrums instead of penalties late in the first half, a move largely imposed by Grayson's failure to kick easy penalties, that they steadied their ship and began to find confidence.

"It was a win but that about sums it up," Jack Rowell said. "The players came into the dressing room with their heads down and I told them that the game plan is not mine but ours. We must stop and back out of the syndrome we are in. When you are 21-8 up and you cannot build momentum then there is something wrong. Wales were very hungry today."

In the second half, England became too strong around the fringes of the rucks and mauls and the game ebbed away from the Welsh. But for all their forward strength, England made only one try, the other came from an awful mistake by the youngWelsh full-back, Justin Thomas.

The England back five forwards did their job well and, as we and the bookmakers guessed, it was English forward power which was the telling factor.

"I am pleased with the way things are going in training and we are getting close to the game we want to play on the field," Will Carling, the England captain, said. "Last year we had a decisive Grand Slam and our training is exactly the same this year. Today we could not get any continuity and we shall have to play much better than this."

As for the Welsh, a young but inexperienced side gave a useful account of themselves and their young backs, led by Arwel Thomas, will soon be figuring in the chorus of the Welsh battle hymn "Bread of Heaven".

The problem in Welsh rugby remains in the pack - and they were guilty of conceding too many penalties. "There were a lot of disappointed players in the dressing room afterwards," Bowring said, "but I told them they could feel encouraged after scoring two tries against such a strong England team. I am proud of their performance."