A Dan Biggar penalty and George North try put Wales 10-0 up at the break before two penalties from the boot of George Ford narrowed Wales’ lead in the second half.

The visitors struggled to find a breakthrough in a relentlessly physical second half with a late Leigh Halfpenny penalty making it 13-6 to the hosts at full time.

Eddie Jones' side will take on Ireland at Twickenham next weekend in the third of four internationals.

CAGEY START

It was a tense opening 25 minutes at the Principality Stadium with both teams evenly matched and unable to break the deadlock until a Dan Biggar penalty gave the hosts a 3-0 lead.

The match burst to life with eight minutes left before half time when winger Anthony Watson, a late inclusion for the injured Ruaridh Mcconnochie, was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock on.

Biggar caught England off guard as Watson made his way off the pitch, finding Josh Adams with a crossfield kick and the Wales fly half was then on hand to deliver another lofted kick which George North collected, touching down for the first try of the game.

Biggar’s conversion made it 10-0 at the break to the hosts.

ENGLAND BOUNCE BACK

England narrowed the gap to seven points after 50 minutes with George Ford slotting a penalty from in front of the posts before knocking over another penalty five minutes later when Wales were penalised for holding on at the ruck.

England’s replacements gave the visitors momentum with Jamie George combining superbly with Ben Youngs who unleashed Antony Watson for a break into Wales’ half before England were penalised for holding on.

WALES HOLD OUT

Wales put in an impressive defensive performance throughout and were able to extend their lead through a Leigh Halfpenny penalty with five minutes left on the clock.

A late driving maul from a lineout for England looked to be their final chance to score but for the second time in the game it was defended well by the hosts and the match finished 13-6.