CARDIFF: Wales surged clear in the closing stages to beat England 40-24 in Cardiff on Saturday to clinch the Triple Crown and stay on course for a Six Nations Grand Slam.
Defeat all but ended reigning champions England’s hopes of a successful title defence.
England, in a match where French referee Pascal Gauzere controversially allowed two of Wales’ four tries to stand, battled back from 17-6 down to 24-24 with 18 minutes left.
But England indiscipline, a long-running problem for Eddie Jones’ men, allowed Wales replacement Callum Sheedy to kick three penalties before Cory Hill’s late try rounded off victory.
It was the latest chapter in a remarkable Wales turnaround after they won just three of 10 matches in 2020 under coach Wayne Pivac.
Wales led 17-14 at the break following two controversial tries scored by Josh Adams and Liam Williams.
England wing Anthony Watson’s try, however, reduced the deficit before captain Owen Farrell’s penalty on the stroke of half-time cut the gap to three points.
England, however, could have no complaints when scrum-half Kieran Hardy crossed for Wales’ third try early in the second half.
But from 24-14 behind, England hit back with a Farrell penalty and a try by Ben Youngs just after the hour.
And with Farrell adding the conversion, England were level heading into the last quarter.
But Wales responded by finishing with their highest points score against arch-rivals England.
“I’m very, very pleased for the players,” Pivac told the BBC.
“Some people will say it (luck) has been on our side the last three matches but you have to be in games to win them,” the New Zealander added.
