Tries from scrum-half Harri Morgan and wings James McCarthy and Dewi Cross helped Wales to a memorable victory at Eugene Cross Park. It was no small feat, according to Lewis: “It’s never easy to play against England. They’re always very strong at age grade level. I thought the response from the boys after a disappointing display out in France was outstanding.”
England had taken a two-point lead into the second half thanks to a brace from number eight Sam Moore, but once Wales regained the lead – despite a near constant threat of a comeback by the young men in white – they were cool in closing out the match. “The effort, work rate and attitude they showed meant they thoroughly deserved the result,” said former Wales international Lewis. “They showed a lot of skill in getting the result too, which is especially pleasing.”
Lewis admitted questioning his side after their 46-34 loss in Lyon last weekend, but said those doubts had been soundly crushed by the players in Ebbw Vale. “Rugby is all about character. We wanted to see a response from the team, which we got. Hopefully they now realise how difficult international rugby is, and what underpins that is work rate and effort. I thought that was in abundance against England.”
Finally, he praised the crowd at Eugene Cross Park for their enthusiasm. “It’s always nice to have that home advantage, especially for a Wales-England derby. Ebbw Vale is a great place to play rugby: they’re very passionate about their team, as well as the national teams, so it’s great to come to grounds like this. I’m sure it inspired the boys today.”
