Incoming British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland admitted his Wales side weren’t at their best as their 18-month unbeaten run was ended against England. The current Wales head coach will leave his post after this year’s World Cup to start preparations for the Tour to South Africa in 2021. Gatland’s side had won 14 games in a row prior to the visit to Twickenham, including a Six Nations Grand Slam campaign earlier this year, but the incredible streak came to an end as they were beaten 33-19 by Eddie Jones’ England. Welsh talisman and three-time British & Irish Lions tourist Alun Wyn Jones made history as his country’s all-time record appearance maker but the party was spoilt by George Ford and co after Gatland’s side conceded two early tries.

With a 14-point half time lead, the hosts saw Wales haul themselves back into the game via George North and a maiden international try from Wyn Jones but it was not enough to earn them a first win at Twickenham since 2015. “We weren’t at our best particularly in the first half and gave away a couple of soft tries but I think we will be a lot better for it next week,” said Gatland. “England’s scrum was good and they played fairly tightly – we had a slightly different tactic to what we had in the Six Nations so we will just have another look at how to approach next week. “You have got to look at the negatives and the positives in the opportunities we did create but like I said – we will be better next week.” Wales, who also missed the chance to move to No.1 in the world rankings released on Monday, will have an immediate chance for revenge when they host England in Cardiff on August 17.