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Hartley enjoys England return

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Dylan Hartley was relieved to be back and fully fit after leading England to victory over Wales at Twickenham.

Dylan Hartley was relieved to be back and fully fit after leading England to victory over Wales at Twickenham.

England fought from 10-0 down to claim a 27-13 win, scoring five tries along the way as Hartley completed his comeback from concussion problems, having initially suffered the injury against France in the RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam clash back in March.

Hartley lasted 76 minutes and was pleased to get some Test match minutes under his belt ahead of the summer tour to Australia.

“I’ve been doing plenty of fitness but nothing really prepares you for a Test match,” he said.

“Eddie even sent the trainer up to Northampton to make sure I was up to speed. Nothing quite replicates that (Test intensity) and Wales certainly played a fast game. I’m alright though.

“We had a week in Brighton to get ready. We need to assess the first 20 minutes which probably weren’t where they needed to be but full credit to the guys for digging in.”

After trailing 13-10 at the break, England flew out of the blocks in the second half, with two quick tries from Ben Youngs and then Jack Clifford.

Second row Joe Launchbury was named man of the match and felt the start of the second half was the crucial period in the game.

He said: “The second-half performance, we got a bit of control and that was probably where we got the win.

“Every time you get to come here in a white shirt and play at Twickenham it’s a great opportunity and a fantastic occasion every time you’re lucky enough to do it.

“I think myself and the rest of the squad wanted to go out and put in the best performance they could.”