England pack crush Wales04.08.2007 20:04 SportsBy Mitch Phillips LONDON (Reuters) - Number eight Nick Easter scored four tries as England produced an impressive forward display to destroy an under-strength Wales by a record 62-5 in the first of their three August World Cup warm-ups on Saturday. Though questions remain about the make-up and effectiveness of their backs, who displayed little cutting edge, the world champions' awesome pack showed that they remain a match for anyone in the game. With the sun beating down on Twickenham, England scored nine tries, Jonny Wilkinson converting seven of them, to record their highest score and biggest winning margin against Wales. Easter, scrumhalf Shaun Perry, flanker Joe Worsley and lock Steven Shaw all made impressive statements while centre Andy Farrell finally showed glimpses of the talent that made him such a star in rugby league. "I thought Andy Farrell had his best game for England," said coach Brian Ashton, who has to name his 30-man World Cup squad by August 15. "I'm pretty pleased with that performance, there was a lot of pressure in the build-up to the game because these players knew they were the first 22 to have a shot at the World Cup squad." EXPERIMENTAL SIDE There were few plus signs for Wales, however, with their experimental side on the back foot all day. Continued... Source: reuters.comwww.alllee.com |
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