As a rugby fan of many years and a referee of several I gave to say ‘hate’ is never a word I’ve used in regards to the game, any other team or player.
Rugby people as I call them don’t express such sentiments.
Now to the game.....
Comprehensively outplayed in the first half? The score line suggested otherwise! One try from a stripping of the ball doesn’t constitute comprehensive in my book, but hey-ho.
As was pointed out by the pundits, England had no Plan B, as Plan A was faltering. Wales dealt adequately with every high ball, effectively.
Sinckler was immense with his tackling but IMHO should have seen yellow for the block on Anscombe thigh I actually thought the penalty given for the choke hold on the Welsh captain was a tad harsh as he didn’t actually have him around the neck, just his shirt and it’s one of those anomalies that sometimes happens in a maul.
England looked devoid of options and a leader in the second half whilst Wales never gave up hope and gained more and more composure and confidence as the game went on.
The one bonus for England was Currie, an awesome prospect for one so young.
As for the ‘hatred’, it’s generally the attitude, demeanour and arrogance of either the team and/or whoever is the coach thsttend to set them aside as the team that everybody likes to see lose.
As for Eddie Butler I rather like his style of commentary and Brian Moore is an absolute joy, 100% unbiased and always tells it like it is, straight from the shoulder.