Player head-to-heads from Wales v England

Following a 21-13 win for Wales over England in the Six Nations, we take a look at who won the player head-to-heads in Cardiff on Saturday.

Liam Williams (Wales) v Elliot Daly (England): It’s a good job Wales left the roof off today as some of Williams’ leaps to catch may have resulted in him heading the stadium steelwork. Daly could learn a lot from the dominance of his opponent in the air. Winner: Liam Williams

Josh Adams (Wales) v Jonny May (England): A world class display of all action rugby from May against a winning try scoring effort from Adams. Impossible to separate them. Winner: Honours Even

Jonathan Davies (Wales) v Henry Slade (England): 70 metres of silky running by Slade against a quiet (by his high standards) ‘Foxy’ Davies sees the Exeter man shade this battle by a hair. Winner: Henry Slade

Hadleigh Parkes (Wales) v Manu Tuilagi (England): Despite Tuilagi’s power running, he missed three simple tackles and went missing for large parts of the game. Parkes was ever present, however, and his defence and retention in contact sees him edge the personal battle. Winner: Hadleigh Parkes

George North (Wales) v Jack Nowell (England): It says something about North’s reputation that 48 metres represents a quiet day at the office by his exalted standards. Nowell was industrious and effective in defence, but wing is a predominantly attacking position. Winner: George North

Gareth Anscombe (Wales) v Owen Farrell (England): This was the first Test in a long time that Farrell failed to grab by the scruff of the neck and dominate. That lack of control, plus an excellent display of distribution from the Welsh fly-half sees Anscombe shade the duel. Winner: Gareth Anscombe

Gareth Davies (Wales) v Ben Youngs (England): Warren Gatland admitted that he’d empowered Davies to disconnect the axis between the England half-backs and boy, did it work. Davies’ pressure meant Youngs’ margins were eroded which hampered the English exit and kicking strategy. Winner: Gareth Davies

Ross Moriarty (Wales) v Billy Vunipola (England): Wales gave Vunipola absolutely no room on the gainline whatsoever as evidenced by his average two metres per carry, whilst Moriarty ran all day for his side. Winner: Ross Moriarty

Justin Tipuric (Wales) v Tom Curry (England): On Wales’ day, it seems churlish not to give this head to head to the home openside, but Curry was again immense for England, with 23 tackles and his first try for the Red Rose. He therefore shades this battle by the finest of margins. Winner: Tom Curry

Josh Navidi (Wales) v Mark Wilson (England): Navidi sealed the gainline up all day and was highly effective whilst Wilson made arguably his first and only error in an England shirt since he started, which cost England a try at the other end of the stadium. Winner: Josh Navidi

Cory Hill (Wales) v George Kruis (England): Despite Kruis’ excellence in tackle and carry, Hill’s contribution was tireless and his last few moments was absolutely match winning for Wales, when he took a superb line to break the English defence. Winner: Cory Hill

Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) v Courtney Lawes (England): Two proud Lions battling for their hunting grounds and territories and they ceded nothing to each other all day. A titanic battle and one that’s impossible to call. Winner: Honours Even

Rob Evans (Wales) v Kyle Sinckler (England): If this was a boxing match, the referee would have called it off after round one. Despite some indiscipline, Sinckler was like a fourth back-row with 18 tackles and gave Evans a torrid time in the scrummage. Winner: Kyle Sinckler

Ken Owens (Wales) v Jamie George (England): Both men were very quiet. Owens fluffed a few throws whilst George’s mobility seemed to desert him, but on a fine day for Welsh rugby Owens takes the crown. Winner: Ken Owens

Tomas Francis (Wales) v Ben Moon (England): Moon continued his progress in an England shirt and put the Welsh tighthead to the sword and added an impressive tackle count to his afternoon’s work. Winner: Ben Moon

Bench impact: Harry Williams put in a useful display replacing Sinckler, but Dan Biggar shored up Wales’ defence and attack and steered his side home in style. His touchline conversion of the Hill try was a crucial moment and one that was a hammer blow for England. Eddie Jones may question the wisdom of leaving Nathan Hughes out in a game where carrying was at a premium. Winner: Wales

by James While