Battling England's power is too much for Wales

MARK Mapletoft's age-grade front row have endured hefty expectations to replace the current men's ageing forwards but Friday night's scrum masterclass shows the future is looking bright for England's pack.

- BEN JAYCOCK

The English scrum asserted dominance from the outset with props Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Billy Sela causing nightmares for a helpless, overpowered Welsh pack that lost five of their own scrums.

Opoku-Fordjour's and Sela's brilliance in turning the dazzled Welsh props inside out, combined with the hefty work of the rest of the pack meant the England forwards laid a foundation for the home side's backs to run riot at a vibrant Rec.

Wills, Archie and Ioan Jones all crossed the whitewash inside. the opening half hour to put the hosts in control in Bath and after a resolute Welsh response, back-to back penalties and Scott Kirk's late try sealed an England bonus point win.

Northampton Saints openside flanker Henry Pollock produced another impressive performance with 20 carries making 97 metres, seven tackles and won a turnover.

Alex McParland, He said: "What a battle that was against Wales. Our fans were amazing tonight, couldn’t ask them for much more as they were behind us all game. We’re really happy with that performance.