Newz Forum: OTHER: England beat Wales RBS 6 Nations

England produced another unconvincing RBS 6 Nations performance but Ben Cohen's try double took them past a resilient Wales at Twickenham.Northampton wing Cohen took his international tally to 28 touchdowns with a try in each half as England recovered from their shock 19-13 home defeat against Ireland two weeks ago.


But the world champions were given a major scare by a resurgent Welsh outfit which fought back from 16-9 down to take a 21-16 lead.Ben Cohen's second try levelled matters and Joe Worsley's late score sealed victory, Olly Barkley adding 16 points.Gareth Thomas and Mark Taylor both crossed for Wales and Stephen Jones kicked 11 points but it was not enough.While the visitors are left with a final home fixture against Italy, England will travel to Paris knowing victory should see them crowned champions.The line-out woes that cost them dearly against Ireland were duly rectified, but the margin of victory was agonisingly close given their welter of possession.


Wales can only look forward to a tournament finale against Italy in Cardiff next weekend - coach Steve Hansen's last match in charge before he returns to New Zealand.They made England work for victory though, and the Welsh performance proved in stark contrast to recent appearances at Twickenham, when England posted an average of 50 points a time.Again, without retired World Cup skipper Martin Johnson and injured fly-half hero Jonny Wilkinson, they looked rudderless at times, and England had just enough in the tank to take advantage.France are unlikely to be as receptive as Wales, and they will go into next weekend's encounter as red-hot favourites.England, just for once, have got it all to do.


TEAMS

England: Robinson, Lewsey, Greenwood, Tindall, Cohen, Barkley, Dawson; Woodman, Thompson, Vickery, Grewcock, Kay, Jones, Hill, Dallaglio.
Replacements: Regan, White, Borthwick, Worsley, Gomarsall, Catt, Simpson-Daniel.

Wales: G Thomas, R Williams, Taylor, Shanklin, S Williams, S Jones, Cooper; Du Jones, McBryde, Jenkins, Cockbain, Owen, J Thomas, Charvis, Da Jones.
Replacements: Davies, Evans, Llewellyn, Williams, Peel, Sweeney, Robinson.

Referee: Andrew Cole (Australia)






[Edited on 20/3/04 by TRD]