Wales head coach departs with immediate effect following record loss against England
Yesterday at 20:27
England are waiting to pounce on any French slip-up after running in 10 tries to dismantle a hapless Wales in Cardiff, securing their biggest-ever Six Nations win over their old rivals.
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If France fail to beat Scotland in Saturday's showdown (20:00 GMT kick-off), England will clinch their first title since 2020—a remarkable turnaround after an inconsistent campaign.
Steve Borthwick's bold selection calls paid off in style. Tommy Freeman thrived in midfield, and a six-forward bench powered England to victory, despite losing key players to injury. Their sheer physicality crushed Wales and left them within touching distance of Six Nations glory.
For Wales, it was another nightmare in red. Any optimism under interim boss Matt Sherratt vanished as they slumped to a record-breaking defeat, their 17th straight loss in the competition. Already resigned to the Wooden Spoon, this humiliation only deepened the crisis.
Sherratt now heads straight back to Cardiff, leaving Wales to pick up the pieces.
The 52-10 hammering overtakes their 2002 Twickenham thrashing (50-10) as their worst Six Nations result. In the 144-year history of this fixture, only a 62-5 World Cup warm-up mauling in 2007 was worse.
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- Six Nations bosses make 'final decision' on the Springboks joining the tournament
ENGLAND: 68
- Tries: Maro Itoje (02′), Tom Roebuck (09′), Tommy Freeman (33′), Chandler Cunningham-South (37′,90′), Will Stuart (39′), Alex Mitchell (54′), Henry Pollock (66′), Joe Heyes (69′)
- Pens:
- Cons: Fin Smith (02′, 10′, 34′, 38′, 55′), Marcus Smith (67′, 69′,80′)
WALES: 14
- Cons: Gareth Anscombe (31′), Jarrod Evans (76′)
- Tries: Ben Thomas (30′, 76′)
- Pens:
WALES PLAYER RATINGS VS ENGLAND:
15. Blair Murray – 5.5
Murray showed his pace early in the contest after pouncing on a loose ball to cross over, but it was ruled out after a long TMO check. He caused the visitors numerous problems with kicks in behind, keeping them on their toes, but nothing came from it.
14. Ellis Mee – 5
The 21-year-old, like his counterparts in the back three, was good at reacting when England spilled the ball and was one of the big ball carriers despite only playing his third international.
13. Max Llewellyn – 5
The Gloucester Rugby man made some big hits and carries as he attempted to put a dent in England's defence. After a spirited performance from the 26-year-old, he was replaced on 57 minutes by Nick Tompkins.
12. Ben Thomas – 5.5
Since returning to his beloved 12 shirt, Thomas has been playing his best rugby, but apart from his two scores—one at the half-hour mark and another late in the contest—there wasn't much else to report on.
11. Joe Roberts – 5
Playing for the first time in his professional career on the wing, he had a strong showing despite an injury scare on 18 minutes. He was a great asset in defence, making a notable strip on Elliot Daly in the first half. Like the rest of the back three, when given the ball, he tried to put his side on the front foot.
10. Gareth Anscombe – 4
There was a lot of talk about the 33-year-old's kicking game against Scotland, and there were again questions as, on 24 minutes, he missed touch when Wales seemed to have a little momentum. He did redeem himself with a brilliant kick into the corner, which was the catalyst for his side’s first try, but overall, it wasn't the best afternoon for the fly-half. He was replaced on 47 minutes by Jarrod Evans.
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