Arundell hat-trick and two Welsh sin bins as hosts rack up seven tries in one-sided Six Nations opener
ENGLAND blew Wales away with a ruthless seven-try display to secure a thumping 48-7 victory in their opening match of the Six Nations Championship at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday (Feb 7).
In front of a full house in south-west London, England national rugby union team combined pace, precision and power to overwhelm a Wales side that simply could not live with the hosts’ intensity, particularly during a devastating first half that effectively settled the contest before the break.
The tone was set early.
England dominated territory from the kick-off, fly-half George Ford dictating play with clever tactical kicking and sharp distribution. After an early penalty nudged them ahead, the first try followed when quick hands released wing Henry Arundell in space and he raced clear down the touchline.
It was the first of three.
Arundell’s pace repeatedly exposed the Welsh edge defence and he completed a clinical first-half hat-trick, twice finishing sweeping backline moves and once chasing down a perfectly weighted kick in behind.
Wales’ task became even harder when discipline deserted them. Prop Nicky Smith and hooker Dewi Lake were both shown yellow cards within minutes of each other for repeated infringements, leaving the visitors down to 13 men at one stage.
England ruthlessly punished the numerical advantage.
Ben Earl crashed over from close range after a series of pick-and-go carries, before Tom Roebuck finished smartly in the corner as the ball was spun wide at pace. By half-time England were 29-0 ahead and in complete control.
To their credit, Wales national rugby union team showed more fight after the restart. A sustained spell of pressure finally produced their only score when Josh Adams gathered a cross-field kick to dot down in the corner, briefly lifting the travelling support.
But any hopes of momentum were short-lived.
England struck back almost immediately. A powerful maul marched deep into Welsh territory, leading to another close-range score, and matters worsened for Wales when a clear try-scoring chance was illegally stopped, prompting the referee to award a penalty try.
Tommy Freeman added the final flourish late on, slicing through tired defenders to cap a dominant afternoon.
Ford added four conversions and a penalty from the tee to keep the scoreboard ticking.
No players were sent off, but the two sin bins proved hugely costly, coming during the period when England built their decisive lead.
For England, it was close to the perfect start to the championship. Their pack won the collisions, the breakdown was slick, and their back three looked dangerous every time they touched the ball. The blend of control and cutting edge suggests they will be genuine title contenders.
For Wales, it is back to the drawing board. Defensive lapses and ill-discipline were punished at the highest level, and conceding seven tries will concern the coaching staff ahead of their next fixture.
Scorers
England: Henry Arundell (3), Ben Earl, Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, penalty try. Conversions: Ford (4). Penalty: Ford.
Wales: Josh Adams. Conversion: Edwards.
