Wales defied an early battering up front and a slew of second-half injuries to rally to a remarkable 28-25 win over England at the Rugby World Cup on Saturday, leaving the tournament host in real danger of early elimination.
In a physically brutal match, England built up 19-9 and 22-12 leads through defense and set-piece domination, but couldn’t put Welsh away and froze in final 25 minutes.
Dan Biggar’s flawless kicking kept Wales in touch, before a try from scrumhalf Gareth Davies tied the scores at 25-25 with eight minutes left.
By that stage, Wales had lost three backs — in a four-minute spell — to add to its extensive injury list to leave the back division with two scrumhalves, two flyhalves and three players out of position.
Biggar kicked another penalty, his seventh in a row, to put Wales in front but the English had a chance at a draw when they earned a penalty with two minutes left.
England captain Chris Robshaw chose to go for a lineout rather than give Owen Farrell — who had been six from six from the kicking tee — a shot at goal from the right touchline.
The decision backfired, as Wales’ pack snuffed out the danger with a big shove. The final whistle was met by disbelief from the majority at Twickenham.
“I don’t think I’ve shown as much emotion at the final whistle as I have tonight,” Wales coach Warren Gatland said.
“I can’t ask for anymore. I think they (Wales’ players) wanted it more in the end.”
England now likely has to beat Australia next Saturday, back at Twickenham, to avoid elimination from the toughest ever pool at a World Cup.