England posted a primary assertion win of the Steve Borthwick period as they heaped additional distress on Wales with a 20-10 victory in Cardiff.
England’s success – solely a 3rd within the Welsh capital from their final eight visits – saved alive their nominal Six Nations title hopes – though event heavyweights France and Ireland now loom massive.
It may not have been fairly, however tries from wing Anthony Watson, prop Kyle Sinckler and centre Ollie Lawrence underpinned a confidence-building victory on the street.
Owen Farrell landed a penalty and conversion – he additionally missed 4 kicks at objective – as England had sufficient within the tank to assert a primary Principality Stadium triumph for six years.
Wales briefly led early within the second half by means of wing Louis Rees-Zammit’s interception attempt, transformed by full-back Leigh Halfpenny, who additionally kicked a penalty, however a build-up that was engulfed by the specter of Wales gamers happening strike, which was solely averted 72 hours earlier than kick-off, ended with a 3rd successive event loss.
It was the primary time for 16 years that Wales had been toppled of their first three Six Nations fixtures, and a attainable wood spoon decider in opposition to Italy in Rome on March 11 now beckons.
Wales’ regional rugby monetary points stay removed from being resolved, but a conflict that just about didn’t occur may show an necessary stepping stone in England’s growth underneath head coach Borthwick as they recorded their largest away victory over Wales since 2003.
England got here underneath quick stress when skipper Farrell had an tried defensive clearance charged down by Wales No 8 Taulupe Faletau, however the guests cleared earlier than their opponents may arrive in enough numbers.
Wayward kicking was a theme of the opening 10 minutes from each side, but England confirmed indicators of settling as Farrell kicked a 48-metre penalty to nudge his workforce forward.
Wales confirmed loads of intent, with Test debutant Mason Grady outstanding, however they had been undone by a slick England transfer after 19 minutes.
Wing Max Malins broke Wales’ preliminary defensive cowl, earlier than shortly recycled possession was labored extensive and Watson completed impressively after gathering quantity eight Alex Dombrandt’s go.
Farrell’s touchline conversion try hit the submit, then Wales opened their account when Halfpenny landed an angled penalty and England led 8-3 early within the second quarter.
Wales continued with aerial ways, but such an strategy was meat and drink for England as Malins and full-back Freddie Steward dealt comfortably with the bombardment.
Farrell drifted a long-range penalty extensive eight minutes earlier than half-time, however England continued to dominate territory as Wales huffed and puffed, though creating nothing when it comes to a clear-cut attacking probability.
Wales lastly stirred when Rees-Zammit made a threatening half-break that took him inside England’s 22, just for Steward to halt his progress earlier than the house facet conceded one other penalty and Farrell cleared.
Wales then attacked once more, but they had been unable to capitalise on promising build-up play and England took a five-point lead into the interval.
But it took Wales simply 45 seconds of the second interval to wipe out that deficit as Rees-Zammit intercepted Malins’ go and sprinted 50 metres for an opportunist attempt that Halfpenny transformed.
Rees-Zammit’s ninth landing in 23 Tests underlined his ending capability, but it took England simply 5 minutes to recapture the initiative.
Prop Ellis Genge ran aggressively into the center of Wales’ defence and the England forwards didn’t require a second invitation to arrange camp, with Sinckler crashing over from shut vary and Farrell changing.
The recreation had instantly burst into life and Wales head coach Warren Gatland made his first modifications as Biggar changed Owen Williams and Saracens centre Nick Tompkins took over from Josh Adams, with Test debutant Mason Grady transferring to the wing.
Another Farrell penalty miss meant England couldn’t draw back and the ultimate quarter was inevitably frantic as each groups went for broke.
But England had the ultimate say, with Lawrence crossing for a attempt six minutes from time to depart them dwelling and dry.