Warren Gatland reveals reason why Wales beat England as he says his side were ‘too fit for them’ and predicts his side will do ‘something special’ at Rugby World Cup

Walking through the mixed zone deep into the Principality Stadium late on Saturday night, Warren Gatland couldn’t help but reiterate his conviction as to why Wales had beaten England.

“Too fit for them,” Gatland said, sipping an ice-cold beer and wearing a wicked grin. Finally, after months of misery, things may be looking better for those of Welsh persuasion.

Yes, this was just one game. And a World Cup warm-up. And yes, the scarcity of play from England’s second-tier side has to be acknowledged. But after a miserable season dominated by off-field chaos and poor performances on it, Wales’ most recent result looked much more like it.

Gatland had said in the run-up to the 20-9 win over England that his team was capable of ‘something special’ at the World Cup in France.

Based on a nightmare campaign, it seemed like a bold statement. But based on the evidence from the first of Wales’ three pre-season games, there was reason to believe that the Gatland players could back up their head coach’s words.

The Wales national coach said his side were simply ‘too fit’ for England during the World Cup warm-up

Gatland praised his team who he said have ‘been through a lot’ after a challenging Six Nations

There is no doubt that the team has been through a lot. The Six Nations were challenging,” Gatland said, the last part of that statement being quite an understatement.

‘I then made the decision to let go of that and then continue to build with my own stamp. It was a good start.’

It sure was. And Gatland certainly seems to have made its mark this summer.

Wales blew England away in the second half to score tries through Gareth Davies and George North. Surely what would have pleased Gatland most was the return of Welsh traits that have marked the team’s previous successes under his leadership.

They include impressive fitness, a never-say-die attitude and, as a result, the ability to stay in the game. When Wales is at its best, it never goes away. That stubborn attitude – understandably lacking in the Six Nations given the circumstances – was a testament to England.

Wales scored two fine tries, their set piece was dominant and their defense hungry. England failed to score in the second half after three Marcus Smith penalties in a low quality first 40.

Rookie Welsh captain Jac Morgan, 23, was player of the match and fellow fullback Aaron Wainwright also excelled. Both played key roles in Davies trying.

Henry Thomas and Taine Plumtree, of the five Welsh debutants, made a strong impression from the bench.

Leigh Halfpenny made his 100th appearance for Wales, kicking 10 points

At the other end of the experience scale was Leigh Halfpenny, the 34-year-old fullback who was making his 100th Wales appearance. Halfpenny would have reached a century for his country long ago had it not been for a serious injury, but he finally scored against England. Halfpenny kicked 10 points and was impeccable on defense.

“It was an incredibly special day for me and my family,” he said, as his fiancé Jess and two young daughters walked through the mixed zone ahead of him.

Halfpenny’s children wore shirts with his name and the number 100 on the back.

“I honestly never dreamed of it,” added Halfpenny.

“Winning one international match for Wales was a dream come true and this is unreal. It’s not really sinking in yet. There have definitely been some ups and downs along the way.

“With an injury there have been some very difficult moments, moments when you weren’t so sure you would play for Wales again. It makes this a proud day.

“I would like to continue playing. You never know when your last game could be, but the ambition is definitely to keep going. You never take it for granted. I would like to go to the World Cup in France.

Wales looked fantastic in the 20-9 win over England and now move on to the Rugby World Cup

“Jess and my two girls – they’ve been my rock to be honest. They’ve kept me going and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who helped me.”

Halfpenny showed why he should go to France with a trademark defensive and kicking display.

So, how did he celebrate his 100th cap? With a song of course.

“It was Silver Dollar,” said Halfpenny, his eyes wide and red with emotion after an unforgettable day and a commemorative 100th apparition cap on his head.

‘It’s a song we sang at Gorseinon Rugby Club. Like a kid coming through, you see the grown boys singing it and you learn it. It’s a favorite among my friends and the rugby club, so it’s a song very close to my heart. It felt good to sing that. It was quite a full dressing room, so there were some nerves!’

Gatland is about to make major changes to his side ahead of Wales’ rematch with England on Saturday at Twickenham. Another Dewi Lake youngster is a contender to take over the Morgan captaincy. Wales lost forwards Ryan Elias and Dafydd Jenkins to hamstring and knee injuries, but both players indicated after the game that their problems were not too serious.

They will have (MON) scans today, but regardless of the outcome, Wales head to Twickenham this weekend with players full of confidence.

It’s been a while since that was the case.