Wales 16-21 England hits and misses: Joe Launchbury colossal as Eddie Jones’ men snatch victory

England winger Elliot Daly scored at the death against Wales (Picture: Getty)

Elliot Daly scored a late try in the corner to snatch a 21-16 victory for England over Wales in a titanic Six Nations clash at the Principality Stadium.

Rob Howley’s side started slowly, with Ben Youngs scoring the opening try of the game from close-range in the 18th minute, but the home team grew into the match as the first-half progressed.

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Liam Williams crossed the line in 38th minute after a scything break through England’s defence to make it 13-8 to Wales at half-time.

England’s hopes of securing a Grand Slam looked to be over, with the scoreline at 16-11 going into the final 20 minutes, but the visitors grabbed a try at the death.

Daly beat Alex Cuthbert for pace on the left wing to make it 19-16 to Eddie Jones’ men and Owen Farrell was successful with the conversion.

Hits

Joe Launchbury

Joe Launchbury was heroic for England (Picture: Getty)

Joe Launchbury put in a colossal performance for England in Cardiff to show why he’s being talked about as a future captain.

The Wasps lock was unplayable in the line-out and made a nuisance of himself throughout the 80 minutes, doing everything possible to disrupt Wales’ attacking play.

Rather ridiculously, England’s man of the match managed 18 carries and 20 tackles. 

Ross Moriarty

Ross Moriarty was a monster in defence for Wales (Picture: Getty)

Ross Moriarty was playing against the country of his birth and was Wales’ outstanding player at the Principality Stadium.

The Gloucester number eight won crucial turnovers and made Ben Youngs’ afternoon a nightmare at the breakdown – it was telling that Wales lost their lead after he left the field.

Moriarty’s enormous tackles on both Maro Itoje and Farrell produced deafening roars from the home crowd in Cardiff.

Dan Biggar

Dan Biggar was in inspired form in Cardiff (Picture: Getty)

Dan Biggar’s interception in the dying moments, as England were camped on Wales’ line, looked certain to __have ended the visitors’ Grand Slam hopes.

Howley’s men were not able to hold on for the victory but Biggar can be proud of his display – he gave a masterclass in defence and with ball in hand.

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Misses

Alun Wyn Jones

Alun Wyn Jones wasn’t at his best (Picture: Getty)

Alun Wyn Jones has greatly impressed since taking over the captaincy from Sam Warburton but the giant lock has had better days in Wales colours.

He chose a 5 metre scrum over kicking the points in the 28th minute which ultimately led to nothing – could this __have been the difference?

Jones was also clumsy in possession and knocked the ball on just before half-time as Wales were encroaching on England’s line with a massive overlap.

Dylan Hartley 

Dylan Hartley will be disappointed with his display (Picture: Getty)

Dylan Hartley, like Jones, has had better days and struggled to make an impact against Howley’s side in Cardiff.

The Northampton hooker had the ball ripped from him by Biggar as England were threatening midway through the first-half and was replaced by Jamie George in the 49th minute.

Jones’ substitution worked wonders and George played a key role in the side’s comeback at the death.

Jonathan Joseph

Jonathan Joseph had a quiet game (Picture: Getty)

Jonathan Joseph was superb for England in their defeat of France at Twickenham last weekend but the Bath centre struggled at the Principality Stadium.

Wales’ defence kept Joseph quiet for the majority of the 80 minutes which very few sides have managed.

He will hope for an improved performance when England host Italy in two weeks time.