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Six Nations | Group Stage
Feb 6, 2015 at 8.05pm UK
 
Wales
16-21
England
Webb (8')
FT
Watson (15'), Joseph (44')

Warren Gatland: 'Final quarter hurt Wales most'

Warren Gatland plays down the significance of losing to England in the Six Nations, but admits that his players suffered in the final quarter of the game.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland believes that his team struggled in the final 20 minutes of their defeat to England on the opening night of the Six Nations.

The hosts produced a fast start, opening up a 10-0 lead and reached the interval eight points ahead, before England scored 13 unanswered second-half points to take victory in Cardiff.

Gatland has admitted that Wales started well, but finished the game on the back foot.

He told BBC Sport: "I think it was the third quarter that hurt us the most. It was a tough, tight Test match. You've got to give England credit.

"I thought we started well and looked comfortable at half-time. There's seven months to go to the World Cup. Even had we won today it wouldn't have meant a huge amount in regards to seven months' time. We've lost the first game of the Six Nations and we have to get back on the horse."

Wales have been drawn in the same group as Australia and hosts England for this autumn's Rugby World Cup.

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England's wing Anthony Watson celebrates with team-mates after scoring a try during the Six Nations international rugby union match between Wales and England at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, south Wales, on February 6, 2015
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