England hang on for tense win over feisty Wales

Monday, 12 February 2018 00:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

London (Reuters): Two first-half tries by winger Jonny May proved the difference as holders England beat a gutsy Wales side 12-6 in an absorbing Six Nations battle at Twickenham on Saturday.

On a freezing wet day in west London hardly conducive to silky skills, May capitalised on two moments of magic as England claimed a 15th successive home victory in the competition to stay joint top of the standings with Ireland.

England led 12-3 at the interval and although Wales threw everything at them in the second half they could not penetrate the white wall in front of them.

Gareth Anscombe’s late penalty, the only points in the second half, gave Wales a flicker of hope but England held out to record their 24th win in 25 games under Eddie Jones.

Wales, who started with 10 players from regional side Scarlets, could feel justifiably hard done by, though, after a key TMO decision went against them.

Fullback Anscombe, in for the injured Leigh Halfpenny, had a try controversially disallowed before the break after the video referee adjudged he had not grounded the ball.

England were also indebted to an astonishing try-saving tackle by replacement flanker Sam Underhill who denied Scott Williams what looked like being a certain score.