TWICKENHAM, London — Ben Youngs became England most capped men’s player in their 23-19 Six Nations victory against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.
Scrum-half Youngs came off the bench in the 60th minute for his 115th England appearance, breaking the record Jason Leonard held for 19 years.
Alex Dombrant scored England’s sole try of the game a minute into the second-half, with the home side’s remaining points coming from the boot of Marcus Smith.
Josh Adams, Nick Tomkins and Kieran Hardy all went over for Wales in the second-half, but their resurgence was too late to challenge the dominant England.
The victory is England’s second of the campaign, after they narrowly lost against Scotland in the opening round before winning their tie against Italy two weeks ago. They sit second in the table with 10 points, second behind France, who are three wins from three.
Two early penalties from Smith took England ahead before Wales found territory through a Dan Biggar kick, which bobbled and forced Elliot Daly to touch-in-goal. After several scrum resets, Wales eventually earnt a penalty on the 5m line, but failed to find their first score after losing the ball at the line-out.
A tense period ensued, with both teams failing to find structure or possession.
Liam Williams was handed a yellow card in the 21st minute for infringement at the ruck, but England failed to capitalise on their man advantage.
Smith attempted to extend England’s lead in the 17th minute, but the young fly-half’s attempt slipped right of the posts. He did, however, slot the ball over twice more in the 30th and the 40th minute to take England 12 points clear at the break.
England came out quickly in the second-half, sending the ball deep into Wales’ side of the pitch. A confusing Wales line-out followed, in which no-one from the visiting side jumped, allowing Dombrant to steal the ball and go over for his first England try.
However, Wales replied quickly through Josh Adams after scrum-half Tomos Williams flung the ball wide for the winger to score.
Nick Tompkins added Wales’ second on the 60th minute, which was easily converted by Dan Biggar and put the visitors in touching distance of the hosts.
A round of applause followed for record-breaker Youngs, who came on to replace Harry Randall. His 115 caps is still short of the overall England appearance record, which is held by Red Rose Rochelle Clark (137 caps).
Two further penalties from Smith looked to seal England the win, putting the hosts 11 points clear with 10 minutes remaining.
However, Wales continued to fight back, with a quick tap and go score from replacement scrum-half Kieran Hardy in the 79th minute earning the visitors a losing bonus point.
More late drama followed, with England captain Courtney Lawes being ruled to have deliberately knocked on the ball after the restart and hands Wales a penalty.
With the clock in the red, Wales won the line-out but the ball is stripped by Maro Itoje, handing it to Youngs, who fittingly ended the game on his record-breaking appearance.