Wales end 20 years of hurt
- 00:01:07
- ITN
Wales end 20 years of hurt
Wales have made a stunning start to their RBS Six Nations campaign by defeating England at Twickenham for the first time in 20 years.The Welsh fought back from 19-6 adrift to score 20 unanswered points during a remarkable 13 minute second-half spell against the World Cup finalists.Full-back Lee Byrne and scrum-half Mike Phillips scored tries to tilt the balance of a gripping encounter, while fly-half James Hook kicked 16 points.New coach Warren Gatland's decision to field a record 13 Ospreys in his starting line-up was totally vindicated as England were unceremoniously grounded.The home side suffered a savage quadruple injury setback, with wing David Strettle, flanker Lewis Moody, centre Mike Tindall and Moody's fellow back-row forward Tom Rees all being forced off.The injury crisis means England head coach Brian Ashton faces a testing time in selection before his players head to Rome.Strettle's exit meant a debut for ex-Bradford Bulls star Lesley Vainikolo, the Tonga-born New Zealand rugby league international who qualifies for England on residency.Vainikolo provided a highlight of the game, with his delicate offload that led to centre Toby Flood touching down.With Tindall off, Wasps' 20-year-old fly-half Danny Cipriani made his Test debut, yet England's sheer lack of numbers meant they spent the last 15 minutes desperately trying - and failing - to hang on.Wales captain Ryan Jones hailed the effort of the whole team.He said: "I can't think of the words. It's the most fantastic day of my career. I'm so proud and after the effort of the last two weeks we thoroughly deserve it."We knew we had worked hard enough and we were good enough - it was just a case of putting it all into practice."© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
ITN | February 3, 2008
