Wales grind out famous win

A Gavin Henson inspired Wales ground out a famous win over England to open their 2005 RBS Six Nations campaign in the best possible way.

Henson scored a late penalty to send the Prinicpality into raptures after England had clawed their way back into the match and were leading with less than ten minutes to go. But Henson held his nerve, and slotted over the crucial kick.

“This is a big win for us, it has been a long wait, and a well deserved victory, ” he said. The 2001 IRB Young player of the year was in confident mood after the match: “I dont feel pressure, the papers have been building this up all week, and I feel we delivered.”

The win will give Mike Ruddock’s men a boost before they travel to Italy next week. But the manner of the defeat will give England head coach Andy Robinson selection headaches ahead of next weekend’s now crucial battle against current RBS Six Nations champions France at Twickenham.

Wales: G Thomas (capt); H Luscombe, T Shanklin, G Henson, S Williams; S Jones, D Peel; G Jenkins, M Davies, A Jones; B Cockbain, R Sidoli; D Jones, M Williams, M Owen

Replacements: R McBryde, J Yapp, J Thomas, R Jones, G Cooper, C Sweeney, K Morgan

Wales: 11
Tries: S Williams
Pens: S Jones, Henson

England: J Robinson (capt); M Cueto, M Tait, J Noon, J Lewsey; C Hodgson, M Dawson; G Rowntree, S Thompson, J White; D Grewcock, B Kay; C Jones, A Hazell, J Worsley

Replacements: A Titterrell, P Vickery, S Borthwick, J Forrester, H Ellis, O Barkley, B Cohen

England: 9
Pens: Hodgson 3

Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)