Smith kicks England to victory after Wales fightback

Marcus Smith's boot and a try from Alex Dombrandt ensured England remain in the Guinness Six Nations title hunt after they defeated reigning champions Wales at Twickenham. Both teams went into the contest knowing that defeat would likely end their hopes of lifting the title, having won one and lost one in the opening two rounds of the Championship.

Ad/> And it was England who dominated much of the first half, establishing a 12-0 lead through the boot of Smith to leave Wayne Pivac's side on the ropes at the interval. RugbyGleeson: England to attack Wales in must-win Guinness Six Nations clash23/02/2022 AT 16:10 Dombrandt's try after the restart appeared to put the result beyond doubt but two quickfire scores from Josh Adams and Nick Tompkins provided the visitors with a glimmer of hope.

But two more penalties from Smith — the Championship's top scorer — got England over the line despite Wales replacement scrum-half Kieran Hardy darting over at the death. It was a also a momentous day for Ben Youngs as the scrum-half came off the bench to win his 115th cap, breaking Jason Leonard's caps record for England's men.

SMITH BOOT GIVES ENGLAND ADVANTAGE The atmosphere inside Twickenham was electric for first meeting between these two sides in front of a packed stadium since this same fixture in the 2020 Championship. England started that game on the front foot before winning 33-30 and it was a similar story this time around as Eddie Jones' men hit the ground running against the defending champions.

The hosts piled the pressure on from the kick off after Owen Watkins spilled the ball and after Wales were penalised for holding on,Smith slotted the first points inside three minutes. Another breakdown penalty from the men in red