Following their 16-14 defeat to England in the Six Nations clash at Twickenham, here is how the Wales team performed on Saturday.
Wales player ratings
15 Cameron Winnett: Another solid display from the young Cardiff outside back as he had some good attacking moments and finished with 34 metres gained from nine runs which included one clean break, three defenders beaten and an offload. 6
14 Josh Adams: Showed his experience with some fine attacking runs which gave his side good momentum, especially during the game’s early stages but he wasn’t as influential later on. Despite that, Adams still finished with a team-high 46 metres gained from three runs which included five defenders beaten. 6
13 George North: The veteran utility back was making his 50th Six Nations appearance for his country and delivered a solid effort during an 80-mimute performance. North’s main strength has always been his attacking ability and he kept England’s defence busy, finishing with 22 metres gained from nine runs. 6
12 Nick Tompkins: Unlike last weekend’s encounter against Scotland, the Saracen did not set the world alight on defence – where he made just five tackles – and he also battled to gain attacking momentum. 5
11 Rio Dyer: The Dragons flyer continues to impress and has cemented his place in the run-on side after the departure of Louis Rees-Zammit. Dyer was constantly looking for work and finished with 28 metres gained on attack which included a clean break and one defender beaten from four runs. 6
10 Ioan Lloyd: The Scarlets playmaker was promoted to the run-on side after a fine cameo off the bench against Scotland but he could not build on that effort. Despite gaining 23 attacking metres, Lloyd struggled to get his backline firing and was eventually replaced by Cai Evans in the game’s latter stages. 5
9 Tomos Williams: The Gloucester-bound scrum-half came into the run-on side and did what was expected of him as his game management and decision making gave Wales good momentum, especially during the opening period. Williams was solid on attack and finished with an assist for Alex Mann’s try and also impressed on defence where he made nine tackles. 7
Planet Rugby player ratings key
8 Aaron Wainwright: The Dragons stalwart came into this encounter after a Player of the Match performance in Wales’ Six Nations opener against Scotland weekend but England did their homework and kept him in check. Had little impact on attack but made up for it with the execution of his defensive duties as he put in nine hits. 6
7 Tommy Reffell: Another strong all-round performance from the Leicester Tigers star as he made a menace of himself at the breakdowns and his direct duel with Sam Underhill was one of the highlights of the game. Reffell also did his bit as a ball carrier and led the Welsh onslaught on defence as he finished with a match high 14 tackles made. 8
6 Alex Mann: He must be thinking that international rugby is easy as he has now scored two tries in as many Tests. Made his run-on start for his country and did well as he gained for 27 metres from eight carries during a 69-minute stint. Ran a good support line in the build-up to his try and also put in seven hits. 7
5 Adam Beard: Came to the fore with an excellent performance at the coalface of Wales’ forward effort as he led their onslaught in the lineouts where he won his fair share of possession and also did well to cause disruption on England’s throw-ins. Not as impactful in other areas but still a solid shift. 6
4 Dafydd Jenkins: Gave good support to his more experienced second-row partner in the lineouts while also catching the eye with his impressive leadership skills. Jenkins was solid on defence and finished the match with seven tackles completed. 6
3 Keiron Assiratti: Came into the run-on side and did what was expected of him in the forward exchanges with his scrummaging solid throughout. 5
2 Elliot Dee: Did well in the execution of his core duties with his lineout throw-ins on point during a 54-minute stint on the field and he also did well on defence with six tackles made. 5
1 Gareth Thomas: Like Assiratti, the Ospreys stalwart gave a good account of himself in the scrums and he also put in a solid defensive shift as he made six hits. 5
Replacements: Wales boss Warren Gatland will not be happy with the performance of his bench as no one really stood out. Two poor lineout throw-ins from Ryan Elias and a yellow card from Mason Grady in the game’s closing stages proved costly in the bigger scheme of things. 4
