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England secured their bonus point with ease at Twickenham - Andrew Couldridge/Reuters
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A sugar-rush hit for England; utter, utter despair for Wales. England did all that was asked of them with a ruthless and unrelenting display that included a first-half hat-trick by Henry Arundell. But in the context of the Six Nations Championship, one wonders what relevance it will have beyond securing five match points and running up an extremely healthy points difference. It was certainly no preparation for the stern title challenges that lie ahead, particularly the final-round trip to Paris.
The overriding take from what is one of the greatest fixtures in world rugby was simply alarm at the dreadful state of Welsh rugby. The domestic woes have been well-documented, with the Welsh Rugby Union’s aim of reducing four regions to three, seemingly uniting supporters in their opposition. But the days when the national side under Warren Gatland were able to punch way above the collective strength of the club game have long passed.
This seven-try victory was a fair reward for England’s overwhelming dominance.
The sight of Lions captain Maro Itoje in the 51st minute leading out the “Pom squad” from the bench – an emotional moment following the death of his mother Florence – only served to underscore England’s overwhelming superiority, even if Itoje was shown a yellow card almost instantly for breakdown penalty when his side were on their final warning. Moments later Wales crossed for their sole score, a try by Josh Adams, but it was a rare moment for celebration for Steve Tandy’s side.
There was a time when Italy had to face the humiliation of calls for their relegation from the Six Nations for their lack of competitiveness, but to see Wales plunge to similar standards was hard to watch, perhaps even for the most ardent England fan. Perhaps.
The future, in contrast, for England is filled with optimism and excitement. Their mettle will be tested at Murrayfield next Saturday against a Scotland side stung by their rain-soaked defeat in Rome, but you sense that the players cannot wait.
They barely had to show much of their evolving tactical game such was their dominance in the collisions and breakdown, with speed of ball, accurate passing, heavy-duty carrying and a George Ford masterclass more than enough to take the game away from Wales.
Scoring sequence: 3-0 Ford pen; 8-0 Arundell try, 10-0, Ford con; 15-0 Arundell try; 20-0, Earl try, 22-0 Ford con; 27-0 Arundell try, 29-0 Ford con; 34-0, Roebuck try, 36-0 Ford try; 36-5 Adams try, 36-7; Edwards con; 43-7 pen try, 48-7, Freeman try.
England: F Steward (M Smith 64); T Roebuck (H Pollock 64), T Freeman, F Dingwall, H Arundell; G Ford, A Mitchell (B Spencer 66); E Genge (B Rodd 40), J George (L Cowan-Dickie 51), J Heyes (T Davison 51), A Coles, O Chessum, G Pepper, S Underhill (T Curry 51), B Earl.
Yellow cards: M Itoje, T Curry.
Wales: L Rees-Zammit; E Mee (M Grady 52), E James (17-27 L Belcher), B Thomas, J Adams; D Edwards, T Williams (K Hardy 78); N Smith (R Carre 51), D Lake (L Belcher 66), A Griffin (T Francis 50), D Jenkins, A Beard (B Carter 69), A Mann (T Plumtree 50), J Macleod (H Deaves 52), A Wainwright.
Yellow cards: N Smith, D Lake, B Thomas, T Plumtree.
Referee: P Brousset (FFR)
07:18pm
Post-match thoughts of Steve Borthwick
07:16pm
Jamie George speaking to ITV
07:14pm
Post-match thoughts of hat-trick man Henry Arundell
07:04pm
Wales head coach Steve Tandy speaking to ITV
06:59pm
England v Wales player ratings
Plenty of high scores for England and a number of low ones for Wales unsurprisingly. Daniel Schofield and Charlie Morgan have had their say in the player ratings.
06:57pm
Post-match thoughts of Wales captain Dewi Lake
06:54pm
Your views
06:51pm
Chastening day for Wales
06:49pm
Wales’ Six Nations campaign
Today: England 48 Wales 7
February 15: Wales vs France
February 21: Wales vs Scotland
March 6: Ireland vs Wales
March 14: Wales vs Italy
06:46pm
England’s Six Nations campaign
Today: England 48 Wales 7
February 14: Scotland vs England
February 21: England vs Ireland
March 7: Italy vs England
March 14: France vs England
06:44pm
Scoring run
06:42pm
Man of the match George Ford
06:32pm
Full time
That is the final act and England have demolished Wales 48-7. Part one of five completed for Steve Borthwick’s men to try and win the Six Nations.
06:31pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Freeman caps off great day for England
The perfect start to their quest to win the Six Nations in 2026. Cowan-Dickie breaks from the back of the maul down the blindside and offloads to Freeman, who powers through a few tackles to score right in the corner with a good finish. Ford’s conversion comes back off the post.
06:29pm
79 mins: England 43 Wales 7
Deaves plays the nine at the breakdown and England have penalty inside the Welsh half. Ford will take England into the Welsh 22.
06:26pm
76 mins: England 43 Wales 7
There have been plenty of yellow cards today and there is another as Curry is sent to the bin.
06:25pm
74 mins: England 43 Wales 7
England so close to another try as Freeman races down the right touchline. He had Spencer calling for a pass inside but Freeman grubbers ahead. Spencer tries to get to it first but Rees-Zammit does enough to get back and dot down.
06:24pm
73 mins: England 43 Wales 7
Wales have already had four yellow cards today and there were not a million miles away from a fifth there as Wainwright catches Arundell high.
06:20pm
NO TRY! Freeman effort ruled out
Freeman is over but the try is chalked off. It was a lovely, free-flowing move with plenty of neat offloads but it will not stand as the TMO has spotted a neck roll by Cowan-Dickie in the build-up to the try.
06:16pmKey moments • Tries • Video
PENALTY TRY ENGLAND!
The tackle from Plumtree was indeed high so he is sent to the bin and a penalty try is awarded to England.
06:16pm
NO TRY! Pollock effort ruled out
He has been on the pitch only a matter of minutes but Pollock is on the scoresheet. But will it stand?
That is poor from Pollock, who should have dotted the ball down but his foot is on the whitewash before getting the ball down. Now though they are looking to see if the tackle from Plumtree on Pollock was high...
06:14pm
66 mins: England 36 Wales 7
Earl is the man who is now being deployed in the backs, in the centres specifically, as Freeman moves out to the wing.
06:13pm
65 mins: England 36 Wales 7
A couple of really good offloads from Curry and Chessum put Ford through. Ford is brought down just five metres shy of the line and England recycle quickly. Davison is then brought down just shy and England are then awarded a penalty. Not only that, but B Thomas is sent to the bin.
England have made a double change as Pollock and Smith come on for Roebuck and Steward. That means one of Pollock or Earl will be playing in the backs.
England go to the corner but the throw is slightly overthrown and Wales steal possession.
06:10pm
63 mins: England 36 Wales 7
Itoje returns from his period in the sin bin.
06:09pm
62 mins: England 36 Wales 7
A fine offload from Steward allows Chessum to gallop down the left touchline to within five metres of the Welsh line.
England are deep inside the Welsh 22 but Roebuck is pinged for holding on. That looked slightly harsh as Wales did not really appear to actually have hands on the ball.
06:07pm
60 mins: England 36 Wales 7
England have a penalty at a lineout just inside the Wales half as Jenkins jumps across. Ford will put the kick into the Wales 22.
06:06pm
59 mins: England 36 Wales 7
Rees-Zammit has actually done a fine job dealing with some of Ford’s spiral bombs but this time he spills it. Fortunately for Rees-Zammit, his teammate Grady is on hand to gather up the loose ball.
06:03pm
57 mins: England 36 Wales 7
Time for our second half in-game advert!
05:59pm
53 mins: England 36 Wales 7
Curry is on for England in place of Underhill.
05:57pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Adams gets Wales on the scoreboard
The visitors get their first points of the game. Adams is in space on the left wing and Edwards picks him out with a crossfield kick, a similar try to one of Arundell’s in the first half. Edwards adds the conversion.
05:56pm
51 mins: England 36 Wales 0
Itoje has been on the pitch for a matter of seconds but is heading back off as he is sent to the bin. He goes off his feet at the breakdown and England were warned.
Wales take a quick tap.
05:55pm
50 mins: England 36 Wales 0
Wales are knocking on the door and have a penalty advantage. Jenkins then knocks so we will go back for the penalty. England captain George is given a warning and the next penalty they concede will result in a yellow.
Wales make a triple change as Carre, Francis and Plumtree come on.
England make a triple change of their own as Itoje, Cowan-Dickie and Davison come on. A great reception for Itoje.
05:53pm
49 mins: England 36 Wales 0
Wales are awarded a penalty just outside the England 22 as the hosts go off their feet. Unsurprisingly, Wales will not go for the points and instead will kick to the corner.
05:51pm
47 mins: England 36 Wales 0
England are under pressure deep inside their own 22 after a kick from Rees-Zammit. Wales do well with their counter ruck and look like they should steal the ball but somehow they do not and England gather themselves before clearing.
05:48pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Roebuck adds England’s fifth
The Sale winger was denied moments before but he will not be denied this time. With a penalty advantage in hand, England come to the right and have plenty of numbers. Dingwall times his pass right to give Roebuck the simplest of finishes. That is Roebuck’s sixth try in nine caps. Ford adds the extras and England lead 36-0.
05:48pm
44 mins: England 29 Wales 0
Roebuck is brought down just five metres shy of the Welsh line and England have a penalty advantage...
05:47pm
43 mins: England 29 Wales 0
England put over 60 points on Wales in last year’s Six Nations and still have the likes of Itoje, Curry and Pollock in reserve. England’s pack dominates at scrum time once more, winning a penalty on halfway.
05:43pm
Second half
We are back under way at Allianz Stadium. England already have the bonus point in hand after a chastening half for Wales. This could get very ugly for Steve Tandy’s side. Wales were out promptly for the second half; it will have be interesting to be a fly on the wall in the Welsh dressing room during half-time.
England have made a change at the break, bringing on Rodd for Genge at loosehead prop.
05:41pm
Your views
05:40pm
ITV crew on Wales
05:36pmAnalysis
HT verdict
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It has been a simple but ruthless approach by England during a half that has felt more like a workmanlike training session than an almighty Six Nations encounter. That Henry Arundell already has a hat-trick of tries having had just three touches of the ball sums up the humiliating one-sided nature of the contest. Steve Borthwick’s side have dominated the physical collisions allowing them to create quick ball at the breakdown, allied by strong carrying work by the forwards, notably Ben Earl. With such dominance, George Ford initially turned the screw, playing pressure rugby by launching three treacherous spiral bombs to keep Wales pinned back in their 22.
England have moved the ball wide when the ball has been quick, and using Tommy Freeman as their midfield target, but impressively England have not chased tries. Instead building pressure led to a succession of penalties and yellow cards for Nicky Smith and Dewi Lake. With a two-man advantage, England were then able to pull away, with Ford picking out Arundell with an inch-perfect cross-kick, Ben Earl powering over in the corner, and Fraser Dingwall putting Arundell over for this third. Desperate, desperate times for Wales.
05:33pm
Opening round fixtures
Thursday:
France 36 Ireland 14
Today:
Italy 18 Scotland 15 FT
England 29 Wales 0 HT
05:29pm
Half-time
Ford kicks the ball out and that brings the first half to an end. England have completely and utterly dominated that half as they take a 29-0 lead into the break courtesy of four tries.
05:27pm
40 mins: England 29 Wales 0
That just about sums up Wales’ half as Lake does not actually touch the ball when taking the quick tap so England have the scrum.
05:26pm
39 mins: England 29 Wales 0
Macleod wins Wales a penalty at the breakdown and Edwards puts a good kick deep into the England 22. Wales are looking to get on the scoreboard for the first time today just before half-time.
England concede another penalty as Chessum makes contact in the air at the lineout. Lake will take a quick tap.
05:22pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Arundell secures hat-trick
The Bath winger is in dreamland today. It is gifted to England as an offload from B Thomas goes to ground. Dingwall picks up the loose ball and knows he has the pace of Arundell outside him so he passes to the Bath winger, who will not be stopped. Ford gets the conversion as England approach the 30-minute mark. That is the bonus point try for England.
05:22pm
34 mins: England 22 Wales 0
England have been good in this half but Wales have been an absolute mess; nothing is working for them, especially their lineout.
Chessum makes a break for England from inside his own half after Ford puts the Leicester lock through a gap but the offload to Underhill goes forward.
05:20pm
33 mins: England 22 Wales 0
Genge is penalised for offside as T Williams just tosses the ball at the England loosehead from a breakdown. Genge was undoubtedly offside but T Williams could have got the pass away and he absolutely bought that penalty.
05:19pm
32 mins: England 22 Wales 0
Ford has delivered an absolute masterclass with his kicking game, moving England around the pitch in style.
05:17pm
30 mins: England 22 Wales 0
A complete let-off for England as they are awarded a free-kick at the scrum.
05:16pm
29 mins: England 22 Wales 0
Chessum disrupts the Wales lineout and England look to have stolen possession but it is adjudged to have been a knock-on by Chessum, who cannot quite believe that decision and it looked like it was actually knocked backwards by a Wales hand.
05:15pm
28 mins: England 22 Wales 0
Wales, for the first time in a while, are in possession near the England 22. It looks like England have stolen the ball on the ground but they are penalised for going off their feet. Edwards puts the kick into the England 22 as Wales are restored to 15 men.
05:12pm
26 mins: England 22 Wales 0
Here comes the in-game advert during a scrum!
05:10pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Earl scores in the corner
England were denied a third try moments ago but they are not to be denied this time. England have two extra men with Wales down to 13 and the hosts make the visitors pay for it, moving the ball from right to left to allow Earl to score in the left corner. Ford nails the conversion and England’s lead grows to 22 points. They are one try away from the bonus point.
05:09pm
23 mins: England 15 Wales 0
That is really poor from Genge and England. They are knocking on the door for a third try and have numbers but Genge sticks it up the jumper and ends up being held up. England should have scored there.
05:08pm
22 mins: England 15 Wales 0
England’s pack dominates once more at a scrum just outside the Wales 22 and are awarded a penalty. England should have score from the advantage but the final pass from Freeman is behind Roebuck. Had that pass gone to hand, Roebuck would surely have scored. Anyway we go back for the penalty and Ford puts it into the Wales 22.
05:06pm
20 mins: England 15 Wales 0
Wales are really not helping themselves here as Macleod gives away a stupid penalty, failing to retreat from a kick downfield. He knew he was miles offside but yet did not retreat.
05:03pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Arundell at the double
It is all England and they have their second try of the afternoon. England’s pack dominates at the scrum and win a penalty advantage. From that advantage, Ford deploys the crossfield kick to perfection with Arundell in space out on the left wing and all the Bath winger has to do is catch and score. Ford cannot add the conversion but England lead 15-0.
05:02pmVideo
18 mins: England 10 Wales 0
Roebuck is held up over the line but we go back for a penalty to England. Could this be another yellow card and possibly a penalty try? Wales captain Lake is the man at the centre of it and he, like Smith just seconds before, is shown the yellow. However, a penalty try is somehow not given. I am not sure how you give a yellow and not a penalty try; it should really be both.
With two Wales forwards in the bin, England opt for the scrum. Wales will have to make a couple of temporary changes to bring on a couple of front-rows. Belcher and Carre are coming on.
05:00pm
17 mins: England 10 Wales 0
Another penalty is coming England’s way and here comes the yellow card. The referee has had enough and Smith is the man to be sent to the bin for an early drive. England go back to the corner, just five metres out from the Welsh line.
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Wales’ problems increasing - Andrew Matthews/PA
04:59pm
16 mins: England 10 Wales 0
England get a rolling maul going towards the Welsh 22 and are then awarded a penalty. Jenkins is the man to come in at the side and the referee has decided to have a word with Wales captain Lake about his side’s discipline. Ford kicks towards the corner.
04:56pmAnalysis
14 mins: England 10 Wales 0
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These conditions underfoot, which would be challenging even for a Grand National winner, are hardly ripe for Henry Arundell to turn on the afterburners. But ultimately he does not need to, bursting through in the corner for his ninth try in 12 Tests (five, admittedly, were against Chile). Painful to see Wales this toothless.
04:54pmVideo • Analysis
12 mins: England 10 Wales 0
England counter ruck brilliantly on the fringes of the Wales 22 and win a penalty as the visitors are caught offside, B Thomas the guilty party. It is a simple kick at goal and England will take it. The cameras have caught Genge and Mann coming to blows, with a bit of a tête-à-tête. The referee has decided to reverse the penalty. An act of stupidity really from Genge and that was completely unnecessary.
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“I was sent off for one of those on Rob Andrew... ‘a push to the head’”. That’s Will Greenwood next to me in the press box. Ellis Genge pretty lucky, I reckon. Alex Mann vowed to get under the skin of England and he has milked a penalty there.
04:49pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Arundell scores for England
The pressure pays off for England as Arundell gets his ninth international try in 12 caps. England, in possession deep inside the Welsh 22, come to the left and Ford delivers a stunning flat pass out to Arundell, who has a simple finish. That pass from Ford was sublime and the Sale fly-half adds the extras. England lead 10-0, not even 10 minutes into the game.
04:48pm
7 mins: England 3 Wales 0
England win a penalty five metres out, in the shadow of the posts, as Wales do not roll away.
England take a quick tap...
04:48pm
6 mins: England 3 Wales 0
A gift of a penalty for England as Griffin is done for obstruction from a high kick into the Welsh half. Ford drives the kick into the Welsh 22 and it is a great kick, setting up a good attacking opportunity. In a matter of moments, England have gone from defending a lineout in their own 22 to having an attacking lineout in the Welsh 22.
04:46pm
5 mins: England 3 Wales 0
That is a real waste from Wales as Jenkins is pinged for obstruction at the lineout. That was Wales’ first entry into the England 22 and the attack faltered almost immediately.
04:45pm
4 mins: England 3 Wales 0
Steward goes up for the high ball not far outside his own 22 but knocks on. England are then pinged for offside as Mitchell picked up the ball in front of Steward, who has gone done heavily. The Leicester full-back receives some treatment but will continue. Wales will go towards the corner as Edwards sends it into the England 22.
04:43pm
PENALTY ENGLAND!
The home side strike first as Ford makes no mistake from the tee. An early 3-0 lead for England.
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England on the scoreboard first - Isabel Infantes/Reuters
04:42pm
2 mins: England 0 Wales 0
Underhill charges down a kick from Rees-Zammit and England have possession just outside the Welsh 22. The visitors are then caught offside and England will have a simple shot at goal. Ford will go for goal...
04:40pm
Kick-off
We are under way at Allianz Stadium. Will England kick off their campaign with a victory or can Wales cause a huge upset?
04:37pm
Reminder of the teams
England starting XV: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Henry Arundell, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell, 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George, 3 Joe Heyes, 4 Alex Coles, 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Guy Pepper, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Ben Earl.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Maro Itoje, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Marcus Smith.
Wales starting XV: 15 Louis Rees-Zammit; 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Eddie James, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Josh Adams; 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Tomos Williams; 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Dewi Lake, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 5 Adam Beard, 6 Alex Mann, 7 Josh Macleod, 8 Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements: 16 Liam Belcher, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Tomas Francis, 19 Ben Carter, 20 Taine Plumtree, 21 Harri Deaves, 22 Kieran Hardy, 23 Mason Grady.
04:33pm
Anthem time
The bad weather looks to be passing and hopefully it will be dry overhead for most of this game. Both sides emerge from the tunnel and it is time for the national anthems. “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” followed by “God Save The King”.
Allianz Stadium also pays tribute to former England internationals Tony Bond and Peter Squires with a minute’s applause.
04:30pmAnalysis
Emotional day for Itoje
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It will be a poignant moment when Maro Itoje, still dealing with the desolation of his mother Florence’s death, emerges from the bench in the second half. His talismanic leadership has been central to England’s 11-match winning streak, with Jamie George, stepping into the breach today, acknowledging he did not think he would have another chance of leading his country.
04:27pm
ITV crew on Louis Rees-Zammit
04:24pm
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04:20pm
Slightly concerning?
We are watching England warm up and it is safe to say Henry Arundell has a lot of strapping around the top of his right leg, and I mean a lot of strapping. You cannot help but wonder if there is any concern over Arundell’s fitness going into this one. England have already had to make one change on the wing from the initial lineup and will be hoping not to have to make another.
04:18pm
ITV crew on George Ford
04:17pm
Six Nations predictions: Who will win, top try-scorer and players to watch
Breakthrough player
Eddie James (Wales)
Wales have been searching for an outside centre since George North retired and in the 6ft 4in Scarlet might just have found their man. He was too raw when he made his Six Nations bow last year, but has been in fine form for his region of late and so long as Steve Tandy takes the risk and selects him ahead of the steady-hand of Owen Watkin, Wales could have something to be cheerful about. James has the power and the ball skills.
04:14pmKey moments
Have your say!
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04:10pm
Rugby World Cup 2027 fixtures: England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales match details
Who do England start against?
England open their campaign against Tonga on October 2. England have never lost to the Pacific Islanders and defeated them 35-3 in the opening match of their 2019 World Cup.
When do England play their other matches?
Steve Borthwick’s team then face Zimbabwe on October 8 and then Six Nations rivals Wales in the final weekend of pool matches on October 16.
Where are England playing?
England take on Tonga in Brisbane at the Suncorp Stadium, the venue that hosted the first Lions Test. They then take a trip to the Adelaide Oval to face Zimbabwe. Borthwick’s team round off their pool stage against Wales at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
04:03pm
Italy take victory
It is all over in a very wet Rome and Italy have held on to beat Scotland 18-15. You can follow all the reaction to that match right here.
04:01pm
No Marcus Smith but Joe Marchant in: This should be England’s 2027 World Cup squad
03:56pm
Six Nations 2026 fantasy rugby: Cheat sheet with the best tips
Telegraph Sport’s tips
Back the big guns…
03:53pmAnalysis
Rumours!
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Team sheets are in with no further changes. There had been vicious rumours of a hamstring strain for Ellis Genge. Those, seemingly, were just rumours.
03:51pm
The 30 greatest players in Six Nations history
5. Alun Wyn Jones
4. Martin Johnson
03:47pm
England will harness 2003 World Cup win to take them to next level
03:43pm
Last five meetings
March 2025: Wales 14 England 68 (Cardiff)
February 2024: England 16 Wales 14 (Twickenham)
August 2023: England 19 Wales 17 (Twickenham)
August 2023: Wales 20 England 9 (Cardiff)
February 2023: Wales 10 England 20 (Cardiff)
03:40pm
This is how Wales can upset England
Disrupt line-out in the air and on the floor
03:37pm
Pollock interview: I’m happy to be hated if it helps rugby
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Henry Pollock is part of England’s ‘Pom Squad’ on the bench - Bradley Collyer/PA
03:32pm
Meanwhile in Rome
The weather is absolutely horrendous at Stadio Olimpico, where Italy lead Scotland 18-10 with around 20 minutes remaining. You can follow the closing stages of that match right here.
03:31pm
Last 10 Six Nations winners
2025: France
2024: Ireland
2023: Ireland*
2022: France*
2021: Wales
2020: England
2019: Wales*
2018: Ireland*
2017: England
2016: England*
*Won the Grand Slam
03:27pm
Visitors arriving
03:23pm
Schedule for 2026 Six Nations
Round 1
Thursday:
France 36 Ireland 14
Today:
Italy 18 Scotland 10 (ongoing)
England v Wales, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Round 2
Saturday 14 February:
Ireland v Italy, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Scotland v England, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Sunday 15 February
Wales v France, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Round 3
Saturday 21 February
England v Ireland, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Wales v Scotland, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Sunday 22 February
France v Italy, Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille
Round 4
Friday 6 March
Ireland v Wales, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Saturday 7 March
Scotland v France, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Italy v England, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Round 5
Saturday 14 March
Ireland v Scotland, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Wales v Italy, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
France v England, Stade de France, Paris
03:18pmKey moments
Teams
England starting XV: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Henry Arundell, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell, 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George, 3 Joe Heyes, 4 Alex Coles, 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Guy Pepper, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Ben Earl.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Maro Itoje, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Marcus Smith.
Wales starting XV: 15 Louis Rees-Zammit; 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Eddie James, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Josh Adams; 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Tomos Williams; 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Dewi Lake, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 5 Adam Beard, 6 Alex Mann, 7 Josh Macleod, 8 Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements: 16 Liam Belcher, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Tomas Francis, 19 Ben Carter, 20 Taine Plumtree, 21 Harri Deaves, 22 Kieran Hardy, 23 Mason Grady.
03:14pmKey moments
Anglo-Welsh rivalries renewed
England begin their quest to win a first Six Nations title since 2020 as they host Wales at Allianz Stadium on opening weekend. England claimed an emphatic victory over Wales at the Principality Stadium last year, winning 68-14 in Cardiff as England ran in 10 tries in a complete an utter mauling. Wales have not won in the Six Nations at Allianz Stadium since 2012 but did claim a victory over England at the 2015 World Cup.
Steve Borthwick’s side have not lost since a Test since the opening round of last year’s Six Nations, when they lost to Ireland in Dublin. The 11 straight wins has lifted England to third in the world rankings and will be hoping to go one step better than they did last year, when they finished second to France by one point in the 2025 Six Nations. England captain Maro Itoje is on the bench after the recent death of his mother and Borthwick has explained the decision to have Itoje on the bench after an emotional few weeks for his captain.
“We all feel for Maro [Itoje] and his family after the very sad loss of his mum,” Borthwick said. “Maro was out in Nigeria and arrived back in camp a day or two after everybody else. We made the decision for this game it is best for him to start on the bench. I think he is going to have a massive impact. I am excited by the impact the whole bench is going to have. I also know the crowd when Maro comes to the touchline, I am sure he will get a big roar.
“Maro is good. As you would expect, he has thrown himself into the preparation here and has been a role model and an example to the other players, as he always is. This squad is really building a connection, and so is the understanding they have for each other. That connection is so vital for us as a team.”
England have been forced into a late change on the wing as Exeter’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso picked up a training injury so Sale’s Tom Roebuck has been called in to start.
Wales have suffered 11 straight defeats in the Six Nations, with their last victory in the competition coming against Italy in March 2023, and they have claimed consecutive Wooden Spoons. Since winning the Six Nations title in 2021, they have won just two of their 20 games, losing 18. They have lost 21 of their last 23 Tests, with their only two wins coming against the same opposition in the shape of Japan.
“We know they [England] are playing some outstanding rugby and in great form but I know how much it means to our players playing for the nation and representing Wales,” said head coach Steve Tandy. “The way the squad trained this week has been great. I want to see us get out and attack the game on Saturday and give the best account of ourselves.”
Kick-off from Allianz Stadium is at 4.40pm.
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