England steamed in the Millennium pressure cooker!
By Kath
March 17 2013
First off well played Wales, you outplayed England, had older heads, been there done it got the T/Shirt and did a brilliant job.
RBS Six Nations 2013
Post Match Thoughts
Wales 30 v 3 England
This was a good hard lesson for England, the Millennium Stadium roof closed, the crowd the sound, the Welsh atmosphere, the huge pressure and above all beaten fair and square on the park.
In the press this morning there is a lot of this 'we will learn from this' form France, from Ireland and yes from England. It is the quote that gets bandied about every time a team loses.
England stand dejected after defeat to Wales in the RBS Six Nations match at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. - All Pictures Empics
However, England players will definitely learn because the pain they will be feeling right now, not just in their bodies but mentally will be devastating. Yes I know, it is only a game and there are a lot more things to worry about in this world but it will matter deeply to them and they will be hurting. In my opinion you don't really learn until you make mistakes. England's mistakes, penalties given away too easily and the Scrum area was a disaster.
England are a developing young team and this experience although painful will be character building, especially leading up to the Rugby World Cup 2015. If you look at the other teams, many players are ageing. England are on the right road, this defeat to be honest was really necessary for the build.
Head Coach Stuart Lancaster has really done a great job with this England side to be fair, if we caste our minds back to just over a year ago would we really have dreamt of the achievements we have made. Let's remember England and Wales have the same amount of points in this year's tournament, Wales won the game but only won the tournament on points difference.
England need to focus on the positives, improve, learn from the mistakes and move forward now - regardless of yesterday's outcome. Well done England in this year's championship.
This Six Nations has been the best for a long time in excitement and variety. The weather has definitely played it's part and if only every stadium had a roof it might have been very different for some other teams.
Italy beat France & Ireland and well deserved - Italy are on the up and are now real contenders in the Six Nations provided they continue in this way. France get the 'Wooden Spoon' and Ireland have dropped away at a rapid rate. Scotland however, have had a resurgence which is great to see. I am really looking forward to next year's tournament.
My only worry now is that I hope any England player lucky enough to play for the Lions this year does not come back injured.