RUGBY WORLD CUP: Gloucester ace James Hook gets World Cup call
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — Sep 30, 2015
The result puts Wales in pole position to emerge from the tournament's "Pool of Death" and consequently cast the hosts' ambitions into serious doubt, but Biggar admits the victory came as a huge surprise given the circumstances.
Hook, despite winning 78 caps, has made one Test appearance since last November, while New Zealand-born Anscombe, whose mother is from Cardiff, has recently recovered from an ankle injury. "We won't look for excuses", Howley said.
"Against these teams there is a temptation to play too wide too early but we have to go forwards before we go out to the wider channels". We've got to roll our sleeves up and get stuck in.
Wales is expected to lose another two players to injury following the Rugby World Cup win over England.
Carling, who led England 59 times, is scathing of Robshaw's "unbelievable" decision and of the selection against Wales, but saved his most savage criticism for the failure by Lancaster - a former schoolteacher - to empower his leaders. "What a talent". Wales defended the following lineout incredibly well, forcing the English players off the field and securing the victory.
"I haven't heard that", Howley added.
Two tries from David Pocock off the catch-and-drive in Australia's opener against Fiji and another from Sean McMahon in the rout of Uruguay might, however, have focused the mind of coach Stuart Lancaster ahead of Saturday's Twickenham clash.
Biggar, who normally sees the kicking duties handled by the injured Leigh Halfpenny, emerged from the shadows to kick 23 points from seven penalties and a conversion -a record points haul for a Welshman against England.
As for Joseph, who in the 10 minutes of England "open" training later Tuesday was kept off the practice ground at England's Penyhill Park base in Bagshot and away from the prying eyes of the media, Catt said: "Jonathan walked through this morning with us and is due to train this afternoon. He was disappointed to have missed out when he was not selected in the original squad".
Wood has subsequently apologised to Williams on Twitter, although the matter could now attract the match citing commissioner's attention.
Warburton said the team had been buoyed by their outstanding win over England even though it came at an injury cost, Hallam Amos and Scott Williams ruled out and Liam Williams undergoing concussion protocols.
