England 23-19 Wales

England saw off a late Welsh challenge to secure a win in this World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham in a fixture that saw both nations field experimental line-ups. With the tournament in New Zealand just one month away, clinical kicking from Jonny Wilkinson edged England home – as so often – after Wales scored three tries to the hosts’ two.

Neither team was at full strength, and most English focus was on debutant Manu Tuigilagi. The twenty year-old centre made an instant impression on the international stage, dancing through the Welsh defence for England’s second try to the delight of the majority of the 81,000 crowd.

Wilkinson’s form will have pleased home supporters, too. The outside half scored thirteen points, and his 100 percent goalkicking record will give hope that he can emulate his achievements in the last southern hemisphere World Cup, in 2003.

Perhaps, though, England’s back line today is even more electric than eight years ago; along with Tuigilagi, Delon Armitage was solid at full back and Matt Banahan made solid yards with every touch. Martin Johnson will surely be satisfied that he has players of sufficient quality to call on throughout the backline. That said, however, the pack does not have the same kind of experience or class that propelled England to glory in Australia.

For their part, Wales will not be too disheartened with the result considering the relatively makeshift side they fielded. Outside half Stephen Jones was injured just prior to kick off; his place was taken by Rhys Priestland, and Morgan Stoddart came into the side at fullback to replace Priestland.

It was to be an afternoon of contrasting fortunes for the Priestland and Stoddart. The former was excellent in kicking both from hand and at goal, and looked strong and confident at stand off. Stoddart, however, was stretchered off in obvious pain with a suspected broken leg, and his place in New Zealand now looks under serious doubt.

Winger George North continued to demonstrate his talent, scoring two tries and looking powerful facing Mark Cueto. North and Priestland are excellent prospects for the Welsh for the coming years. Captain Sam Warburton, too, impressed, and in spite of the defeat there is plenty to encourage Wales coach Warren Gatland. Not least amongst these factors was the resilience and determination Wales showed in coming within a score of snatching a win in a game that, at one stage, England threatened to dominate. Gatland will hope his side can build on these in the return fixture at the Millennium Stadium next weekend.