Sun 24 Feb 2019 | 09:06
Eddie Jones says penalty count cost England

5
Comments

England committed three times the amount of penalties than Wales in yesterday’s game in Cardiff which finished 21-13 to the home side.

The visitors conceded nine penalties to Wales’ three, which contributed to England letting a four-point lead slip with 12 minutes left on the clock.

England head coach Eddie Jones said he was frustrated with England’s discipline, suggesting the atmosphere at the Principality Stadium had an effect on his players.

"We started the second half brilliantly but lost a bit of momentum and gave away some penalties, which allowed them back in the game. 

“They beat us in the air, the penalty count was lopsided and when you are getting beaten in those two areas when it's a tight game, you are going to struggle.

"I think when you are under pressure all the time, players tend to do things they might not do normally and we could have been better in that area.”

Harlequins tight-head prop Kyle Sinckler gave away two penalties in the second half which were converted by Wales and head coach Warren Gatland singled him out.

"I thought he carried well, defended well, the set-piece was good," Gatland added.

"He's a fantastic rugby player, but he does have a few demons to deal with.”

After hearing these comments, Jones defended the 25-year-old.

"I didn't know Warren had a degree in clinical psychology, so let me know and I might go and see him as well," said Jones.

"I know you guys (the media) want to single him out because Warren said what he said, but don't be unfair to him. He's a young player on the way up. Look after him a bit."

Full match highlights are available below:

5 Comments

  • pickay
    8:18 AM 25/02/2019

    First of all, I thought it was a great game to watch! Nevertheless, when it comes to potential penalties I am getting increasingly annoyed by the amount of appealing to the ref that is going on constantly! Whenever there is something happening, all players standing nearby put their hands in the air and wave and shout at the ref. When has that become a thing in rugby? In this game, several times the ball carrier even stopped playing mid-action, and instead of trying to place the ball rather refocused his energy on gesticulating and appealing to the ref. What the heck?! It's almost getting socceresque. I know that the stakes were high and the rivalry and all that, but come on... Or is it really just me who gets worked up over this?

    • sidney
      6:29 PM 25/02/2019

      Away! AWAY! Respect https://twitter.com/ljp84/status/1099671972320038912

      • rugbydump
        7:25 AM 26/02/2019

        Great moment from a top leader

  • 45678
    12:33 PM 24/02/2019

    England failed by not recognising they kicked on the front foot in broken play for two games but in contrast kicked whenever they had possession of the ball in the second half. Rather than trying to build momentum, they just kicked it away. Poor game management

    • 45678
      1:45 PM 24/02/2019

      Would have kept Sinckler on as well. Both him and curry were easily the outstanding England players