Wales 14-68 England
Youngster Henry Pollock shines with two debut tries in Cardiff drubbing
ENGLAND delivered their most dominant performance of the Six Nations with a record-breaking 10-try demolition of Wales, securing a crushing 68-14 victory at the Principality Stadium. Cardiff had never witnessed a heavier Welsh defeat in the championship, as Steve Borthwick’s side dismantled their hosts with ruthless efficiency. The 20-year-old Northampton flanker Henry Pollock capped his debut with two eye-catching tries, as England signed off their campaign in emphatic fashion.
Any pre-match hopes of a close contest were quickly extinguished as England ran riot, storming to a 33-7 half-time lead. It was a masterclass in attacking precision, with glimpses of promise seen in recent games finally coalescing into England’s most assured and clinical display of the season.
Despite the thumping win, France’s victory elsewhere meant England’s title aspirations were extinguished. Nevertheless, the visitors’ fluid interplay, ferocious back-row dominance, and the commanding presence of fly-half Fin Smith were enough to underline their rapid progress since a frustrating autumn campaign.
The contrast in mood from the pre-match atmosphere to the final whistle was stark. The Welsh faithful had roared their side on with the usual fervour, but as England’s relentless onslaught continued, the noise in the stands faded to a hush. The defeat confirmed Wales’ 17th consecutive international loss and a second successive Six Nations wooden spoon, marking another low in a bruising period for Welsh rugby.
From the outset, England imposed themselves. Smith’s early penalty to the corner set the tone, and within minutes Maro Itoje powered over from close range for the opening try. The visitors doubled their lead when Fin Smith’s pinpoint looping pass found Tom Roebuck, who marked his first Test start with a clinical finish in the corner.
Wales thought they had responded when Blair Murray burst clear after a ricocheted high ball, but referee Nic Berry ruled out the try due to an offside infringement. The disallowed effort only compounded Welsh woes, as England quickly extended their lead.
Pollock made an instant impact on his debut, breaking through to claim his first Test try, before Will Stuart, celebrating his 50th cap, muscled over for England’s fifth before half-time.
Despite a brief Welsh resurgence – Ben Thomas crossing for a well-worked try – England continued their dominance. Tommy Freeman’s try ensured he became only the second player in Six Nations history to score in all five rounds of a single championship.
The visitors showed no mercy in the second half, with Alex Mitchell winning a kick-chase to touch down before Pollock grabbed his second. Replacement prop Joe Heyes added his name to the scoresheet, and Cunningham-South powered over to bring up England’s tenth try.
Pollock’s brace will be a moment he remembers for life, as England recorded their most emphatic win in Cardiff in the history of this fixture. While the title may have eluded them, Borthwick’s men leave the tournament as a resurgent force, with the signs pointing to even greater things ahead.
