Dragons RFC ace Aaron Wainwright admitted he had mixed emotions after his man-of-the-match display in the opening Six Nations defeat to Scotland - and now wants Wales to start fast at Twickenham this weekend.
Wales produced one of the greatest fightbacks in Six Nations history as they battled back from 27-0 down to narrowly lose 27-26.
Wainwright was a driving force in the comeback at Principality Stadium - but acknowledges there can be no repeat of the slow start this Saturday
“A game of two halves sums it up perfectly and with another five minutes we probably would have got the win,” said Wainwright, who was also a second half try scorer in the capital.
“It wasn’t the start we wanted but we showed what we can do when we start putting some stuff together.
“If we can replicate that second half performance and play like that for the full 80 it will be exciting. We have to make sure it doesn’t take a first half like that to get into it.
“It was encouraging how we kept fighting and put ourselves in with a chance to win. That’s going to give us momentum for next week.”
“The boys coming off the bench made a huge impact and changed momentum. Maybe first game nerves played a part, but we can’t afford those inaccuracies,” added Wainwright.
“Cam (Winnett) did exceptionally well on his first start, Alex (Mann) came on and lifted the energy. That’s what you need from people coming off the bench – they made a real impact.
“Scotland were perhaps panicking a bit and a bit more composure from us in the dying moments could have turned it. Next week we need to go with full energy and accuracy.
“I’ve got mixed emotions about the Man of the Match award because the team comes first. I wanted to win and we lost, so that’s the bitter disappointment.”
I’ve got mixed emotions about the Man of the Match award because the team comes first. I wanted to win and we lost, so that’s the bitter disappointment...
