A fan's reflection on England 25-28 Wales

For our reporter Chris Heal, Saturday night at Twickenham was a fantastic experience. Talking Rugby Union have five of their staff accredited by Rugby World Cup and to date have covered 9 games. We are rugby players and fans.

This reflection is that of an English rugby fan.

In the days before the game, the selection of the England team took centre stage:

• Should Farrell have replaced Ford at Fly Half?
• How would Burgess and Barritt create attacking opportunities?
• Did the England pack have the ballast to take on the Welsh upfront?
• Why was Lancaster apparently changing his plans at such a late stage?
• Having tried to play the Bath way, was this a change to the Saracens way and how would they cope with this?

At half time on Saturday evening the feeling was that the selection debate had been parked and Stuart Lancaster had been correct. England were looking good, their game plan working and that Farrell was having one of his best games for England. In fact other than the Scott Williams break and one chip over the England midfield, Wales lacked ideas.

The start of the second half didn’t seem to change that view. However, that view that England were looking like the winners changed; so what might have been going on:

• Wales had some very serious injuries that resulted in players playing out of position
• England also had injuries but did not result in playing out of position, just replacements
• England continued with their planned substitutions
• Lancaster replaced Farrell at Fly Half with Ford
• Burgess was taken off to allow the change at Fly Half
• Tipuric came on for Wales and added some real pace at the breakdown

As the Welsh players were replaced, it felt as if England were trying to defend their lead. The Welsh realised they had to play harder for their injured mates and did this.

In the post match comments much has been written about England’s lack of discipline at the breakdown. Firstly, it looked as if referee Garces was consistent with his decisions for “not moving away” and “supporting your own body weight”. What might have been happening?

• England have tall guys across their team; staying on your feet at the breakdown is more challenging
• The introduction of Tipuric meant the breakdown became more competitive and decision making needed to be speeded up
• Faletau was performing at his optimum both at the base of the scrum and at the breakdown

Then the Welsh scored a try and what a try that was. The first impression was that Farrell shot out of the defensive line without success and needed to retreat to his new position of centre.

As he did this Barritt seemed to instruct the defensive line to advance but as they did a massive dog leg was created. That left a replacement scrum half against England’s winger, Watson. Without a winger’s instinct and experience, Lloyd Williams chipped forward and Gareth Davies collected and scored a try.

Biggar then slotted a penalty kick to take the score to England 25, Wales 28

The next 3 minutes were frenetic and England were awarded a penalty out wide but eminently kickable for Farrell.

What happened next?

• Ford seemed to start issuing instructions
• He was joined by Farrell and Robshaw before the huddle engulfed them
• Emerging from the huddle was Ford and it was a kick to the corner; the English were going for the win

Those used to conspiracy theories will be amused to hear that some felt it was Ford’s influence and a demonstration of his leadership skills versus Farrell; perhaps a message to Lancaster who had dropped him.

Back to England’s decision making: having showed positive intent with the touch kick the forwards lined up for the lineout. The call was to the front and although cleanly taken the Welsh forwards drove the maul into touch.

A call to the front is a safe call but it does bring the touchline into play. A call to the middle gives the attacking team multiple options.

The conclusion for England must be DD – decisions and discipline both coaches and players. Please pick a 7 in future.

For the Welsh – inspirational and amazing. Let’s hope the injured recover speedily and completely. The performances of Faletau, Tipuric and Biggar were most worthy of victory.