Wales’ miserable start to the Six Nations continued as they fell to a 20-10 defeat against England at the Principality Stadium.
It was another ordinary display from Warren Gatland’s side.
They tried hard but lacked poise in the opposition 22 and their kicking game was dreadfull as a stream of high balls found their way to man-of-the-match Freddie Steward.
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Louis Rees-Zammit scored an interception try, but the hosts' attacking game was poor and England bossed the breakdown.
Here are the player ratings:
Leigh Halfpenny 6
It had been almost 20 months since he had last started a game for Wales but Halfpenny showed courage to defuse countless bombs under intense pressure.
Couldn’t do anything about England’s first try There was a spill in second half, but the Scarlet was largely steady.
Josh Adams 5
He needed a big game after subdued efforts in the opening two rounds, but it didn’t happen. Missed tackles and saw little ball. He's a Gatland favourite but could well be under pressure for his place.
Mason Grady 6
Debuting in a Wales v England match isn’t so much being thrown in at the deep end as being plunged into the Atlantic on a stormy night. There were no fireworks from the new boy, but there was enough to be encouraged by as he made ground as a carrier and put in his tackles.
Joe Hawkins 6
Plenty of endeavour and he made a fair bit of ground, but Wales lacked penetration, even if Hawkins never gave up.
Louis Rees-Zammit 6
Helped hoist Wales into the lead 45 seconds into the second half by intercepting Malins’ pass and racing 50-odd metres for a well-taken try. Fumbled a high kick later. Wales need to get him on ball more.
Owen Williams 4
A first Test start at fly-half and a birthday to celebrate this weekend but started nervously, with some misdirected kicking. Eventually began to settle without coming up with anything memorable. Looked to be carrying a bump when he left pitch on 55 minutes.
Tomos Williams 4
A tap and go 35 metres out came to nothing, while Wales kept kicking to an England back-three that looked safe as houses under the high ball, with three full-backs, including the outstanding Freddie Steward.
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Gareth Thomas 6
One thunderous run before half time and scrummaged solidly. There was also some sound defending from the Osprey before he was replaced on 56 minutes.
Ken Owens 6
An early throw missed its target but Owens fronted up in defence, as always, with one hit of Farrell driving England’s captain back. Effort is never a problem for the captain.
Tomas Francis 6
Another recalled prop, Francis was prominent in defence as he stopped a number of short charges. Harshly penalised at one scrum but forced a penalty out of Ellis Genge shortly after.
Adam Beard 5
Will his army of critics be appeased after this effort?
Good work at maul before half-time and made a bit of ground as a carrier, but turned over before half time, with Wales slow to clear out. Defence wasn’t an issue for him, but the coaches will want him to be more dynamic with ball in hand.
Alun Wyn Jones 6
Pinched an English lineout and rolled up his sleeves in defence, stopping a number of English ball-carriers on the gainline. There was also a memorable turnover from the old warrior.
Christ Tshiunza 5
Good at Murrayfield and caught the eye with his tackling here, with one hit on Malins heading off potential trouble for Wales. But Wales were second best at the breakdown, with Tshiunza’s opposite number Lewis Ludlam impressive in all areas.
Justin Tipuric 6
Led the defence as he returned another clean sheet: 17 tackles made, every one nailed. There was also some nice footwork in attack and a turnover close to the Welsh line, but England bossed the breakdown.
Taulupe Faletau 7
Restored to the starting lineup after his odd omission against Scotland, and wasted little time reminding all of his worth with a charge-down and then the first of two turnovers. Mr Reliable did all he could to try to turn the tide with some determined carrying as game wore on.
REPLACEMENTS
Bradley Roberts 5
Included a misdirected throw among his lineout offerings.
Rhys Carre 5
Mixed bag saw one strong carry but Carre was also turned over and threw out a ropey pass.
Dillon Lewis 5
Odd scrum issue, contested breakdown.
Dafydd Jenkins 5
Sound defence with anything game-changing.
Tommy Reffell 6
Brave tackle near end, some determined carrying.
Kieran Hardy 5
Tried hard without notable success.
Dan Biggar 6
Some decent tackling.
Nick Tompkins 6
Visible and busy.
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