Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Sean Lynn is in charge of his second Six Nations campaign with Wales
ByCeri Coleman-PhillipsBBC Sport Wales- Published40 minutes ago
Head coach Sean Lynn has praised Wales' never say die attitude, but admits there is still plenty to work on if they are to close the gap on the world's best teams.
Seren Lockwood scored in the 80th minute to secure a try bonus-point against Grand Slam-chasing England, who ran in 10 tries of their own in a ruthless display.
Wales' 24 points at Ashton Gate was also the most they have ever scored against the Red Roses in 24 Six Nations meetings.
"Twelve months ago we would've flopped and fallen away, but to show that character to come back and score two tries and get a bonus point, I cant fault the character," said Lynn.
"Obviously we're disappointed we leaked 62 points, but that's a very good Red Roses side who were clinical today."
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Figure caption,England run riot against Wales to maintain 100% start
Few predicted any other result than a convincing England win, but Lynn said the performance was always going to be about them.
Wales showed variation in set piece attack, with two training ground lineout moves catching England cold for Keira Bevan and Kelsey Jones' first-half tries.
"We've got to be a little bit more clever now in those red zones, so it was lovely to see the first one come off and then the second. We've always got to be asking questions of the defence," said Lynn.
But a lack of clinical edge in promising positions continues to be Wales' downfall, with England thriving on the counter attack.
"We just didn't keep the ball and then they score from those opportunities when we're in really good areas, those were the big frustrations from us as a coaching team," said Lynn.
Wales' discipline was improved, with only six penalties conceded, although Kayleigh Powell's 52nd minute yellow card proved costly.
There were also 40 missed tackles which England duly punished, while Wales' loose kicking game needs serious attention.
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Despite Wales' shortcomings, England captain, Wales-born Meg Jones, said she knew she had been in a Test match after the final whistle.
"They love coming to the breakdown, they hit really hard, that's something they'll always have," said Jones.
"I said to the girls, there is going to be so much emotion out there, they are not going to lay over for us and their continuity in attack has definitely developed, including their set piece.
"It was definitely the Test match that we wanted."
Jones' acknowledgment of Wales' progress were echoed by England head coach John Mitchell, who said "they're definitely more organised".
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Figure caption,Wales showing improvement says England coach Mitchell
Wales - and the rest of the world - have been attempting to close the gap on England for years, and while the scoreline may be similar, Lynn believes they are making strides.
"We will definitely be moving that goalpost for us and we could catch them," he said.
"I couldn't give you an answer [on how long]. It's just making sure we focus on us and control what we can.
"That's the big thing for me, we've got individuals, somebody like Freya Bell coming off the bench today who's looking strong, Jenna De Vera getting her second start, Jorja Aiono, Seren Lockwood - the adaptability she's showing going onto the wing and playing in front of 28,000 people.
"This experience is just going to help our youngsters and the senior players have been outstanding."
Wales now have two weeks to reflect before heading to Ireland for the penulatimate round, but Lynn is facing a mini injury crisis with Catherine Richards the latest casualty.
Wales were without captain Kate Williams, Hannah Dallavalle and Carys Cox for the England game, while Lisa Neumann has already been ruled out of the rest of the championship.
Guinness Women's Six Nations
11 April to 17 May
Watch on iPlayerListen on SoundsWatch every match live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app; listen to match commentaries on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sports Extra and BBC Sounds; follow live text and match highlights online
