England launched their Six Nations title bid in ruthless fashion, hammering Wales 48–7 at Twickenham on Saturday.
A seven-try blitz — including a hat-trick from winger Henry Arundell — secured a bonus-point victory and extended England’s winning streak to 12 matches dating back to last year’s championship.
The 41-point margin marked England’s biggest home win over Wales since a 62–5 demolition in a 2007 Rugby World Cup warm-up, and at halftime it threatened to be even worse. England stormed into a 29–0 lead by the break, overpowering and outpacing a Wales side short on confidence.
Arundell Shines in Seven-Try Show
Arundell was electric on the wing, finishing clinically three times as England’s attack sliced through Wales with precision and pace. The hosts dominated territory and possession early, turning pressure into points with clinical efficiency.
But after the break, the contest lost intensity. Errors crept in, discipline faltered and the rhythm that defined England’s first-half display faded.
Wales, to their credit, showed more resistance in the second half but were undone by indiscipline. They received four yellow cards and were reduced to 13 players on two occasions, making any meaningful comeback impossible.
England were not immune either. Two players were sent to the sin bin, including Maro Itoje, who was yellow-carded just seconds after coming off the bench — England’s first red-zone disciplinary issues of that scale in a Six Nations match since 2020.
Wales’ Slide Continues
For Wales, the defeat marked a record-extending 12th consecutive loss in the Six Nations dating back to 2023 — a stark reflection of their ongoing struggles.
They return to Cardiff next weekend to face title favorites France, searching for both form and belief.
England, meanwhile, head north to face Scotland, where they have not won since 2020
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