Wales vs England LIVE: Result and reaction from Six Nations grudge match in Cardiff
Wales 10-20 England: England edge a scrappy clash in Cardiff as Anthony Watson, Ollie Lawrence and Kyle Sinckler score
Tries by Anthony Watson, Kyle Sinckler and Ollie Lawrence propelled England rugby to a nervy 20-10 victory over Wales rugby in a scruffy Six Nations encounter that showed how much both teams have to do to become competitive in the championship.
England started strongly with an Owen Farrell penalty and a well-crafted try for Watson, making his first start for two years, but Wales briefly led after an intercept try by Louis Rees-Zammit at the start of the second half.
England regained the lead when Sinckler burrowed over and though they were on top for most of the second half, they made the game safe only 10 minutes from the end with another well-crafted try finished off by Lawrence.
It was England’s second successive win following the home victory over Italy but made it three defeats out of three for Wales, who rarely looked dangerous, to complete a wretched week where the fixture was in doubt after the players threatened to strike in their row with the Welsh union.
Relive the action from Cardiff below:
Wales 0-0 England, 5 minutes
But this is a bit of a worrying start for the hosts, struggling to clear twice and inviting pressure. Ollie Lawrence is taken at the chest by Christ Tshiunza but Max Malins skips between two tacklers to mkae ground up the right. England building well.
Wales 0-0 England, 4 minutes
Mathieu Raynal’s peep is swift and sharp - Wales lend too much weight too soon, and are free kicked.
Owen Farrell looks to the heavens, and sends the ball to them, the ball bouncing in a perilous position for the hosts, but ultimately into Welsh hands.
Wales 0-0 England, 3 minutes
Energy and excitement from the home crowd as Louis Rees-Zammit threatens the outside arc beyond Henry Slade, the England centre just getting enough of the rapid wing as he enters full flow.
English hands then knock on a Welsh tip-on at the line. Wales’ scrum on halfway.
Wales 0-0 England, 2 minutes
Steward hustles back to end the danger, but that’s a nervy start from the England fly-half, who looked rather ponderous.
Van Poortvliet kicks smartly for touch once more.
Wales 0-0 England, 1 minute
A safe exit from England, Jack van Pootvliet clearing well up the right.
Wales go to the air from their first possession, testing Freddie Steward, who takes strongly.
Charged down! Owen Farrell takes far too long over a laborous clearing attempt and Taulupe Faletau blocks it!
Here we go
England assemble, ready to take the kick off. After a week of meetings, the Welsh squad gather for a final time, tightly together in their own half.
Owen Williams is on starters duties - here we go!
Match Officials
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (FFR) ARs: Andrew Brace (IRFU) & Pierre Brousset (FFR) TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU)
Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau
In a week that it seemed like we may not hear it at all, that’s an awfully pleasing singing of “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”, rising and dipping with the sweetest of sounds until a crescendo to draw the goosebumps.
The Principality is packed to the rafters, and England are in town - it’s a special Welsh day.
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