Today's rugby headlines as England's failed intimidation attempts emerge and Cuthbert stuns opposite number

Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, March 3.

Wales hooker Dewi Lake's club coach has told him he should take the sledging he received from England players as a compliment.

Lake was involved in a running battle with opposite number Jamie George after coming on as a replacement, while he was also goaded by Maro Itoje and other England stars as he prepared to throw into a crucial lineout.

Lake nailed the throw he was targeted on, while he refused to take a backward step up against Lions veteran George.

Ospreys coach Toby Booth said: "He's more of an oak tree than a shrinking violet.

"He's a very combative and competitive guy. I think the fact that they've gone after him, he should take that as a compliment.

"He certainly won't shy away from any challenge. When called on in that critical moment, he did his job and what he had to do, so it was a wasted effort, wasn't it?"

Lake said of the confrontations: “There was a bit of rivalry there and there were a few head butts and punches flying around to begin with.

“It was a bit different, a baptism of fire I suppose, but I’m glad I did it.”

England winger Jack Nowell has spoken of his admiration for Alex Cuthbert's performance at Twickenham last weekend.

Cuthbert marked his 50th cap for Wales with one of his greatest international performances, making an astonishing 176 metres from 14 carries.

He was up against former Exeter team-mate Nowell, who was thoroughly impressed with his rival.

Speaking on the Rugby Pass Offload show, he said: "He was unbelievable. He is a class player although he is one of the most unlucky too.

"Every time he looks like he's about to get going something would happen (injury-wise).

"To see him back, he's obviously being very well