DAN COLE declared the Battle of Bristol a draw — and fans want a rematch.
RFU chiefs tried to keep the England-Wales forwards “training session” behind closed doors.
But sneaky supporters took videos and pictures through the fence of Clifton College while pupils watched on the sidelines as the two packs went hammer ’n tongs.
Leicester prop Cole, 30, said: “It was competitive — and probably a draw. Every team won their ball and I’m sure Wales will be happy with what they did.
“Unfortunately the pitch was quite heavy so, after the first engagement, it gave way as soon as there was movement.
“We got what we wanted out of it in terms of set-up and engagement. Up to the point where you had to move your feet, it was good.
“We had 12 scrums and 18 or so lineouts. There was no mauling so it was tame in that regard but it was good because it was competitive.”
Yesterday’s set-piece showdown was also a chance to see Ellis Genge in the front row after his stellar season for the Tigers alongside Cole.
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The Bristol boy, 22, is set to win his fourth cap against Argentina on Saturday, with loosehead Mako Vunipola being managed back from the Lions tour and Joe Marler banned.
Cole added: “Ellis was very raw when he came to Leicester a year-and-a-bit ago. But playing week in, week out has helped him make massive improvements.
“He’s always had that abrasive edge but he’s more controlled now in what he can do and how he can channel his physicality.
“He plays on edge but rarely goes over it. He chats with the opposition in scrums and is vocal around the field. That’s how he plays the game.
“A year ago when he was called in against Australia, maybe he was in there on potential. But now I think he is here on merit.”
Wales may be forced into fielding a makeshift back row in Saturday’s autumn series opener against Australia.
Sunday Round-Up: Watch all the action from Sunday's Premiere League matchesFlanker Justin Tipuric has a thigh injury and could join long-term crocks Sam Warburton and Ellis Jenkins on the sidelines.
Lions scrum-half Rhys Webb is also a doubt with a knee problem.
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