England 48-7 Wales: Hosts make emphatic start to Six Nations

A ruthless England piled up pain and points on Wales, who began their quest for the Six Nations title with a 48-7 victory at the Allianz Stadium.

Wing Henry Arundell, making his first start for his country in more than two years, scored a first-half hat-trick as England faded away at half-time.

Josh Adams was picked out by Dan Edwards’ precise punt for Wales’ lone try five minutes after the restart, but mostly one-way traffic continued to crush the visitors.

He added to Ben Earl’s first-half try before the introduction of Tom Roebuck, Marcus Smith, Henry Pollock and returning captain Maro Itoje energized England in the final quarter.

Earl has moved into midfield late on, as he did in last year’s 68-14 thrashing in Cardiff, as England use their remaining game time to trial new models for next season.

Tommy Freeman, who scored in all five matches played by England in the tournament last year, used the power to continue his scoring streak in the final game of the game.

Wales have won just two of their last 24 Test matches; The domestic game is rife with uncertainty and rancor as the Welsh Rugby Union seeks to restructure four regional sides.

Next weekend they face reigning champions France, who dismantled Ireland on Thursday night.

The difference with England is very noticeable. The hosts’ 12th successive victory has been welcomed and there is growing belief that this run could take them to their first title since 2020.

A much tougher test of those credentials awaits the scarred Scotland in Edinburgh next weekend, but it was hard to fault their mix of accurate attacking and furious defence.

He was certainly very strong for Wales.

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