England prop Ellis Genge did his utmost to get in Wales’ heads on Saturday (Image: PA Wire)
As records were shattered in Cardiff, the sound of Stereophonics echoed through the PA system. However, it wasn’t the tune one would expect during a grudge match between and as ‘Have a Nice Day’ rang out.
At least the Welsh sense of humour remains intact – though the same can’t be said for their pride after a 68-14 drubbing at home to their arch-nemeses. Just moments before, Dafydd Jenkins had torn his scrumcap from his head in frustration following England’s 10th try on Saturday. The result marked Wales’ heaviest defeat in history, not to mention the most points they’ve ever conceded at home. And certain remarks caught on microphone revealed the miniature battles where England triumphed en route to winning the war.
In the initial stages of the match, Wales were clearly energised. The first penalty of the afternoon saw Nicky Smith signalling for calm. However, as England proved increasingly challenging to handle, so too did the officials.
While Maro Itoje seemed to be on the same wavelength as referee Nic Berry, Wales captain Jac Morgan appeared to be speaking a different language. As England began to pull ahead, Morgan repeatedly asked Berry if he had reviewed certain plays.
“You checked the forward pass” was his question following England’s second score. The official offered a sharp response: “Yeah, we did check it.”
Morgan sought further clarification shortly after and asked: “You know the contact area? When they’re defending, you need to look at them putting hands on the floor past the ball and dragging back.” He was assured it would be monitored in future.
England dominated the scrum at the Principality – and let Wales know about it (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
As they headed for the tunnel, Morgan posed another question. “No, no, he checked it,” came the predictable reply. When Morgan requested a review of a possible late hit on Jarrod Evans, he was met with a dismissive response. “I was happy with the timing on that.”
Others faced their own challenges on a difficult day as messages got confused amid the stadium noise. When Nick Tompkins replaced Max Llewellyn in the second half, Ellis Mee was halfway off the pitch, assuming he was being substituted.
“But I thought there was an advantage,” Gareth Anscombe protested after England were awarded a scrum in the first half. “Oh, I was saying knock-back,” Berry clarified. “The ball was knocked back.”
A pass meant for a player in red sailed over the head of a ducking Smith and landed behind the prop. “Ah f***,” muttered a Welsh voice.
The scrum, as usual, told its own tale as England managed to dominate Wales at the set-piece. WillGriff John insisted to Berry that he wanted a contest after early penalties went against him. “That’s what everyone is saying,” Berry responded.
Smith, on the other side, was advised he needed to elevate his game. “You need to sort the scrums out,” Berry explained. “I can’t even get to the point where I’m saying bind.
“I understand,” John conceded. “But as soon as they crouch, they’re leaning over.”
Berry, however, was having none of it. As the match progressed into the second-half, substitute hooker Dewi Lake emphasised with a touch of venom that Wales were eager for a genuine contest. But to no avail as referee Berry made it clear: “If you guys want to be dominant, go forward first. You’re going straight across.”
The England side, already laying on the pressure, reveled in their dominance. “Let’s have a scrum,” came one taunt followed by the pointed request: “No more free-kicks, sir.”
??????️ “What’s wrong with you, you’re a tighthead prop!” just wanted to scrum! ?????? |
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby)
Yet it was Ellis Genge who delivered the most scathing taunt to his Welsh counterpart, shouting at Welsh prop John: “You don’t want to scrum. What’s wrong with you? You’re a tight-head prop!”
No rejoinder came forth. On different occasions, such provocation could have triggered a heated reply – but not this time.
Instead, the day ended with all-too-common sights: wilting daffodils, players exhaustedly gazing up at the sky, and the unsettling choruses of the Phonics haunting the atmosphere. This defeat, for some reason, felt particularly raw for Wales.