England heaped the Six Nations title pressure on France with a 68-14 destruction of woeful Wales in Cardiff. After defending champions Ireland had briefly gone back top of the table with victory over Italy to open Super Saturday, Steve Borthwick’s side were relentless and utterly ruthless as they ran in 10 total tries and shattered numerous records to rise to the summit themselves and throw down the gauntlet to Les Bleus, who need to beat Scotland in the Paris finale to claim the championship.
If France slip up, then the title will go to England for the first time since 2020 after they totally demolished Wales. Captain Maro Itoje had the visitors ahead inside just three minutes at the Principality Stadium, before Tom Roebuck marked his first Test start with a try and Tommy Freeman completed the admirable feat of scoring in every game of a Six Nations campaign. There was much more misery to come for Wales, who trailed 33-7 at the interval despite Ben Thomas getting them on the board after Blair Murray’s score was ruled out as Chandler Cunningham-South and Will Stuart also touched down.
Alex Mitchell got the first of five more tries for electric England after half-time, while Henry Pollock had two off the bench on his debut to go along with further scores from Joe Heyes and Cunningham-South as the Red Rose men offered an exciting glimpse of the future and Wales hit another new low in their record 17th consecutive Test loss as they were stuck with a second successive wooden spoon.
Wales vs England highlights
- TRY! Cunningham-South makes it 10 for England
- TRY! Pollock announces arrival with another
- TRY! Thomas scores late consolation for Wales
- TRY! Heyes piles on more Welsh misery
- TRY! Pollock scores on England debut
- TRY! Mitchell chases down his own kick
- TRY! Stuart adds fifth for England before break
- TRY! Cunningham-South wraps up bonus point
- TRY! Freeman quickly restores two-try lead
- TRY! Ben Thomas hits back for Wales
- TRY! Roebuck scores after Murray try ruled out
- TRY! Itoje gives England perfect start
Electric England answer Borthwick call as bold selection pays off
20:29All week, Steve Borthwick had been clear about how he wanted England to play in Cardiff, writes Simon Collings at the Principality Stadium.
The fate of the Six Nations title may have been out of their hands, but what wasn’t was how England approached a Wales team struggling after 16 defeats on the spin.
Borthwick demand his England side “play big”, urging them to attack with “bravery and speed on the ball”, and they answered his call.
Read Simon’s match analysis in full here
England player ratings
20:27 , George FloodReplacements
Chandler Cunningham-South (Chessum 18’) 8
On earlier than expected and forced to play at lock, too. Rose to the challenge, carried like a monster and scored two tries.
Joe Heyes (Stuart 48’) 7
Joined in the fun by scoring England’s eighth try and his first in international rugby.
Jamie George (Cowan-Dickie 48’) 6
A steady showing off the bench for the hooker. Kept England’s lineout functioning well.
Henry Pollock (Freeman 50’) 8
On for his debut and marked it with two tries. Been tipped as a future star - and you can see why.
George Ford (Fin Smith 56’) 7
On for his 99th cap. Threw a great pass to Pollock as the debutant went over in the corner for his first try.
Tom Willis (Ben Curry 59’) 6
Helped England maintain their physical dominance by carrying well.
Fin Baxter (Genge 62’) 6
A quiet cameo for the prop, with the game well and truly dead when he came on.
Jack van Poortvliet (Mitchell 68’) N/A
England player ratings
20:25 , George FloodForwards
Ellis Genge 8
Helped England dominate Wales at scrum time. Carried well, as usual, to cap off an excellent Six Nations for him.
Luke Cowan-Dickie 7
Made a brilliant tap-tackle on Murray when he looked certain to score. Made eight tackles and missed just one before coming off.
Will Stuart 8
Celebrated his 50th cap by scoring England’s fifth try just before the break. Quietly been one of England’s best players at this Six Nations.
Maro Itoje 8
Got England off to a perfect start with a try after three minutes. The England captaincy has seen him raise his game.
Ollie Chessum 6
Unfortunately had to come off before the 20-minute mark due to injury. Had made a solid start before then.
Tom Curry 8
Got through a mountain of work and the full 80 minutes. Did not miss any of his 10 tackles and felt like a game that strengthened his Lions credentials.
Ben Curry 9 | Star player
An utter monster at the breakdown, including one vital steal when England were defending their try line early in the second half.
Ben Earl 8
A menace at the breakdown and carried the ball well, too. Moved to centre for the final 30 minutes when Freeman went off.
England player ratings
20:22Backs
Marcus Smith 6
Restored to the team after being on the bench last week. Made a few bright runs from deep and did fairly well under the high ball.
Tom Roebuck 8
Impressed on his first start, especially in the air. Scored England’s second try by going over in the corner and showed good strength to do so.
Tommy Freeman 7
Moved to centre but continued his fine form and became the first Englishman to score in every game during a Six Nations campaign.
Fraser Dingwall 7
Made a great recovery run to stop Blair Murray scoring early in the second half. A glue player in the backline who helped others shine.
Elliot Daly 6
Saw much less ball than Roebuck, but put in a solid performance. Inadvertently set up Mitchell’s try with a tackle that saw the ball come off his head.
Fin Smith 8
The coolest man in Cardiff. Created England’s second try with a stunning miss pass that found Roebuck. Oozed class and composure.
Alex Mitchell 7
Scorer of England’s sixth try and showed good pace to race away after a loose ball fell to him just inside Wales’ half.
Wales 14-68 England
18:49 , George FloodFull-time
Total and utter destruction from clinical, ruthless England, who produce a record win in Cardiff to easily seal the bonus-point triumph they needed to pile the pressure on leaders France ahead of tonight’s Six Nations Super Saturday finale against Scotland in Paris.
And a new low for woeful Wales. They have now lost 17 consecutive Test matches (11 in a row in the Six Nations) - the longest such run in history for a Tier One nation.
They take the wooden spoon for the second year in a row and still haven’t won a single game since the 2023 World Cup.
Where do they go from here? Matt Sherratt’s interim reign is now over and he will return to Cardiff as the WRU ponder who to appoint as Warren Gatland’s full-time replacement ahead of the summer.
A huge decision they absolutely have to get right, but as we know the issues in Welsh rugby go far beyond who the head coach of the national team is.
England go above Ireland and France to the summit of the Six Nations table with 20 points, one ahead of Ireland and four ahead of France.
They also improve their points difference to +74, but it’s still some way behind France’s +106.
France still just need to beat Scotland tonight to clinch their first title since 2022. Ireland’s slim hopes for a historic third successive championship are over.
Over to Paris...
Wales 14-68 England
18:44Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Principality Stadium
A pocket of England fans by the press box now just chanting: "Scotland, Scotland, Scotland."
TRY! Wales 14-68 England | Chandler Cunningham-South 82'
18:4282 mins: I can’t remember the last time I saw an England performance quite as completely ruthless and dominant as this.
Cunningham-South gets his second after Itoje is denied.
The game ends with another successful Marcus Smith conversion.
10 tries for England in a record win. Incredible.
TRY! Wales 14-61 England | Henry Pollock 79'
18:38 , George Flood79 mins: Make that two tries on debut for Pollock!
Wales are out on their feet in defence and Ford again tees up the Northampton youngster.
Marcus Smith could take the conversion past 80 minutes, but he belts it over quickly and we play on.
England have nine tries but still want more. Utterly ruthless.
TRY! Wales 14-54 England | Ben Thomas 77'
18:34 , George Flood77 mins: Wales with a bout of late pressure and this time they do make it count at last for a consolation score.
Thomas is put through for the second time this evening.
Evans converts.
Wales 7-54 England
18:31 , George Flood70 mins: Jack van Poortvliet is operating at scrum-half for England now. Mitchell off.
Genge has been replaced by Fin Baxter too.
Wales 7-54 England
18:30 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Principality Stadium
Cardiff just got a glimpse of what all the hype is about with Henry Pollock. There's a reason kids in Northampton all play with black headbands on now.
TRY! Wales 7-54 England | Joe Heyes 69'
18:28 , George Flood69 mins: It’s EIGHT tries for England!
Willis picks up a loose ball at the ruck before charging through and popping up off the deck for replacement tighthead Heyes to dot down.
Another successful conversion from Marcus Smith follows.
Total humiliation for Wales now. England absolutely running riot in Cardiff.
TRY! Wales 7-47 England | Henry Pollock 65'
18:25 , George Flood65 mins: Henry Pollock marks his senior England debut with a try after a delicious whipped pass to the right wing from Ford, who catches Roberts ball-watching.
What a moment for the highly-rated young Northampton star.
Marcus Smith now slots the conversion to bring dominant England within three points of the 50.
They lead by 40 with plenty of time left for things to get even worse for battered Wales.
Wales 7-40 England
18:2264 mins: Wales are leaking penalties under pressure in their own 22 as England keep their foot down in search of try number seven to equal their haul against Italy last weekend with more than 15 minutes still to play.
Ford kicks to touch once, then again.
Rhodri Williams on for Tomos Williams at scrum-half for Wales.
Wales 7-40 England
18:20 , George Flood62 mins: A loose pass to Murray stifles the Welsh attacking momentum and they aren’t really going anywhere again before Itoje gets over the ball and earns the breakdown penalty.
Supreme nous and strength from the influential England skipper.
Ford kicks to touch and England’s driving maul gets them into the 22 before George spins away.
Tom Willis has come on for Ben Curry in the back row.
Saracens centre Nick Tompkins is on for Wales. He replaces Llewellyn.
Gareth Thomas is also on for Nicky Smith at loosehead.
Wales 7-40 England
18:18 , George Flood60 mins: More pressure from England but Genge is penalised at the scrum.
England are then whistled offside to give Wales another attacking platform.
They are into the 22...
Wales 7-40 England
18:1456 mins: Off comes Fin Smith after another terrific afternoon in an England shirt.
Does he have a chance of Test involvement for the Lions this summer?
On comes George Ford.
TRY! Wales 7-40 England | Alex Mitchell 54'
18:11 , George Flood54 mins: Try number six for England!
A Welsh pass deflects off Daly and is then punted forward by Mitchell, who has the speed required to chase it down and score.
Fin Smith converts.
Wales 7-33 England
18:08 , George Flood52 mins: Some really confident defending and sweeping up at 15 from Marcus Smith, who collects an awkward bouncing ball and then shows his tricky footwork and wheels to evade a tackler and exit.
Wales 7-33 England
18:06 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Principality Stadium
A reaction from Wales, at least, at the start of this half. They were dangerous last week against Scotland when seemingly dead on the floor.
Wales 7-33 England
18:06 , George Flood51 mins: Jamie George replaces Cowan-Dickie at hooker for England, who have also sent on 20-year-old Northampton back-rower Henry Pollock for his Test debut.
Freeman has made way, so it’s Ben Earl into the centres again.
Wales 7-33 England
18:04 , George Flood50 mins: Harlequins’ Jarrod Evans is on for Wales at fly-half, replacing Anscombe.
Teddy Williams also replaces Rowlands in the second row.
Wales 7-33 England
18:03 , George Flood49 mins: Still Wales can’t convert sustained 22 pressure into points!
This really is poor, they engineer a three-on-one out on the left with some great passing and handling.
Mee is taken down by Smith just short and the winger offloads off the deck but it’s deflected by Llewellyn and Wainwright can’t hold it to score.
Woeful stuff.
Wales 7-33 England
18:01 , George Flood47 mins: England change both props as Genge and Stuart make way for Fin Baxter and Joe Heyes.
Another chance for Wales now as Itoje continues to leak pretty needless penalties in dangerous areas.
Wales 7-33 England
17:59 , George Flood46 mins: Llewellyn runs a great line and almost crashes over for Wales.
But it’s sensational work at the breakdown from Ben Curry, who steals it and England can clear into touch.
Yet another chance for Wales in the England 22 that isn’t taken.
Wales 7-33 England
17:58 , George Flood45 mins: A very eventful few moments for Marcus Smith, who misses a glaring chance at a 50:22 kick and then shows his frustration.
He then gets back to slide and touch down over his own line after a deep kick is spilled by Mitchell and Dingwall just does enough to stop Murray from scoring.
What does Blair Murray have to do to score a try this afternoon?! He could have three already, quite easily.
It was Dingwall who knocked that back over the line, so Wales have the ball for a five-metre scrum.
Wales 7-33 England
17:54 , George Flood42 mins: A dangerous cleanout from Itoje leads to another short Anscombe kick into touch that doesn’t reach the five-metre mark.
We end up at a scrum and Genge gets the better of Assiratti before letting him know about it.
Another total botched opportunity for Wales.
Wales 7-33 England
17:52 , George FloodTwo changes in the Welsh front row at the break.
Keiron Assiratti and former captain Dewi Lake replace tighthead prop WillGriff John and hooker Elliot Dee.
No changes from England.
Back underway...
Wales 7-33 England
17:50 , George FloodMore brutal reading for Wales from a defensive perspective.
Despite their improvements under Matt Sherratt, that is now two successive first halves since their spirited effort against Ireland in which they have been totally dominated.
They eventually fought back well at Murrayfield last weekend of course from a 20-point deficit to go down 35-29, but it’s just not anywhere close to good enough.
The wooden spoon is heading their way again as things stand, for a second successive year.
For England, they are doing exactly what they need to pile the title pressure on France in Paris.
Per the BBC, this is their biggest-ever half-time lead over Wales.
5 – Wales have conceded five tries in the opening half of a @SixNationsRugby match for the very first time and have now conceded 4+ first-half tries on three occasions this year (also v France and Scotland), having previously only done so once (v Ireland in 2004). Deluge. pic.twitter.com/5sxHSb762X
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) March 15, 2025
Wales 7-33 England
17:47It doesn’t matter if he’s on the wing or in the centres, Tommy Freeman won’t be stopped at the moment...
5 - Tommy Freeman has scored a try in each of his five games in this year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations, just the second player to score in all five rounds of a campaign after France’s Philippe Bernat-Salles in 2001. Liberated. pic.twitter.com/Ip2vK5KzeQ
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) March 15, 2025
Wales 7-33 England
17:37 , George FloodHalf-time
Utterly clinical from England and Wales have had no answer.
This could get really, really ugly.
TRY! Wales 7-33 England | Will Stuart 39'
17:36 , George Flood40 mins: Wales are completely gone here with England over again before the break - this time tighthead Stuart.
The on-field decision is try and it’s confirmed after a TMO check on a possible knock-on from Itoje at the breakdown.
A first miss from the tee by Fin Smith and it’s 33-7 at the interval.
Wales 7-28 England
17:34Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Principality Stadium
Fin Smith, again, at the heart of another England try. He's the coolest man in Cardiff this afternoon.
The bonus point is wrapped up before half-time. England have been rampant and, you must say, brilliant.
TRY! Wales 7-28 England | Chandler Cunningham-South 37'
17:3237 mins: What a sensational half from clinical England - and they have their bonus point already!
No chance the diminutive Murray was stopping Cunningham-South from crashing over there after being teed up by Mitchell.
Fin Smith still perfect from the tee.
This is getting very quickly out of hand for Wales.
TRY! Wales 7-21 England | Tommy Freeman 34'
17:29 , George Flood34 mins: What a response from England!
Freeman was caught out a little by Thomas on that Welsh try but now responds to quickly restore the two-try lead.
And it all came from that charged-down kick from Anscombe.
Another conversion sails over from Fin Smith, who was pivotal again there.
Wales 7-14 England
17:28 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Principality Stadium
A try in keeping with this game. Wales could have taken the points there, but they were bold and went to the corner. Great entertainment.
Wales 7-14 England
17:27 , George Flood33 mins: Wales are in a lot of trouble here as Anscombe’s kick following the restart is charged down.
TRY! Wales 7-14 England | Ben Thomas 31'
17:25 , George Flood30 mins: Wales safely hold the lineout ball and are twice brought down agonisingly close to the line following the driving maul.
Tomos Williams whips out a glorious pass for Thomas to stride in unopposed!
Anscombe adds the extras from in front of the posts.
They needed that.
Wales 0-14 England
17:23 , George Flood28 mins: A surging carry from Wales’ inspirational captain Morgan.
They have a penalty advantage but aren’t making too much progress as a cross-field kick is arrowed out right.
We come back for the penalty, which is kicked to touch at five metres - a much better kick from Anscombe.
A huge chance for Wales now to hit back as they turn down the chance for three points.
Wales 0-14 England
17:21 , George Flood28 mins: A deliberate knock-on from Mitchell gives Anscombe another chance to kick for touch midway inside the English half.
Can they build a better attacking platform here?
Wales really need to score next in this game.
Wales 0-14 England
17:2027 mins: The frantic nature of this contest continues as a poor pass slung out to a falling Tom Curry is almost seized upon by Mee, who puts boot to ball and chases but it bobbles out for a lineout on the far side.
Wales 0-14 England
17:1824 mins: An extremely manic feel to this game at the moment with things getting very loose all over the place.
Was there a grubber from Tom Curry in there?!
It’s entertaining stuff, but Borthwick will just want to see more of a measure of control.
Such a poor kick into touch from Wales a few moments ago. They need much better than that if they are to get back into this.
Wales 0-14 England
17:14 , George Flood22 mins: Marcus Smith tries to run and collect his own chip before the ball goes loose and opposite number Murray looks to then stream through and collect a bouncing kick for Wales.
But he’s denied by an absolutely sensational last-ditch tap tackle from Cowan-Dickie.
Wow! He had to make that.
Wales 0-14 England
17:13 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Principality Stadium
A test now to see if Borthwick's gamble on the bench has paid off. No specialist lock cover, so Cunningham-South is packing down there.
Wales 0-14 England
17:12 , George Flood20 mins: A bit of a comedy of errors there from England at a dreadful lineout and Wales have the put-in at the scrum.
They are shoved back quickly again and look to get the ball moving swiftly.
A disappointing kick is arrowed into touch near halfway.
Wales 0-14 England
17:11 , George Flood18 mins: An early injury blow for England here as Chessum makes his way off.
There is no natural lock on the England bench, or indeed one they can move in from the starting back row.
It’s Chandler Cunningham-South coming on.
A tough ask for him to make his first appearance at second row at Test level.
Wales 0-14 England
17:09 , George FloodThe opening try from England captain Itoje at the Principality...
England are wasting no time in Cardiff!
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 15, 2025
Watch LIVE on BBC One & iPlayer.#SixNations #BBCRugby pic.twitter.com/ffcfzMui3I
Wales 0-14 England
17:09 , George Flood17 mins: England’s defence are absolutely dominant in Cardiff at the moment.
Now Joe Roberts is down hurt for Wales and will need treatment.
Wales 0-14 England
17:08 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Principality Stadium
This start is exactly what England would have been planning all week. The atmosphere inside the Principality is fading with every England attack.
Wales 0-14 England
17:07 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Principality Stadium
Fin Smith has started this game superbly. Two brilliant kicks to the corner from penalties - and now a delicious miss pass for Roebuck to go over in the corner.
Oh, and nailed the conversions, too.
Wales 0-14 England
17:05 , George Flood13 mins: An infringement from Itoje at the lineout gives Wales the chance to boom a penalty deep into touch.
However, it’s all very stodgy and stilted in attack and England end up holding up fly-half Anscombe and forming a maul.
They have a scrum, with tempers then spilling over.
Looked like Wainwright and Chessum getting into it.
Wales 0-14 England
17:04Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Principality Stadium
Fin Smith, take a bow. An outrageous pass to Roebuck.
TRY! Wales 0-14 England | Tom Roebuck 10'
17:00 , George Flood10 mins: Wales’ misery after that disallowed try is quickly compounded!
England skewer their rivals at the scrum and then kick to touch once more.
They open the play out right and move the ball quickly through the hands, Fin Smith playing a frankly outrageous pass out for Roebuck to battle through multiple defenders to touch down in the right corner with an impressive show of strength.
Smith also nails the conversion from near the touchline.
Talk about a dream start for England! Two chances, two tries.
Wales 0-7 England
16:58 , George Flood8 mins: NO TRY!
The ball comes off the head of Murray so that’s fine, but it’s eventually ruled that Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams was in front and interfering with play.
That took a long time to reach the conclusion, a lot of conversation between the referee and TMO.
It’s deemed a knock-on by Daly originally and we will come back for a Welsh scrum.
A let-off for England.
Wales 0-7 England
16:56Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Principality Stadium
Itoje getting some stick from the home fans for running over to the referee and getting in his ear as they review this try.
Wales 0-7 England
16:55 , George Flood7 mins: Wales earn a free-kick at that scrum.
The ball is loose and bouncing around after an aerial tussle between Murray and Daly.
The pacey Murray tears away down the right flank to score a quality try.
The on-field decision is try, but the TMO will check this for multiple potential issues including a possible knock-on and offside.
Wales 0-7 England
16:53 , George Flood5 mins: More celebrations from England after Earl’s fine work at the breakdown earns another penalty that is kicked to touch.
However, the subsequent lineout throw from Cowan-Dickie isn’t straight.
Wales end up with the put-in at a scrum.
Wales 0-7 England
16:51Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Principality Stadium
A statement of intent from England, that. Win a penalty - straight to the corner - and then over for a try.
TRY! Wales 0-7 England | Maro Itoje 3'
16:49 , George Flood3 mins: What a start from England!
Captain Itoje picks up and dives over from close range after an early penalty won for offside.
A booming kick from Fin Smith sets them up perfectly and England waste absolutely no time in registering the first try of the day.
Smith bangs over a rapid conversion too.
Wales 0-0 England
16:48 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Principality Stadium
Wow, what a rendition of the Welsh national anthem that was. 16-game losing streak or not, the home fans are up for this.
Wales vs England
16:46 , George FloodHere we go!
Can England get the bonus-point win they need to pile the title pressure on France?
Time to find out...
Wales vs England
16:46 , George FloodAustralia’s Nic Berry is the referee in Cardiff this afternoon. Mike Adamson on TMO duties.
No question about the kits, it’s red vs white as always in this famous fixture.
William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales watching on from the stands.
As are Lions coach Andy Farrell and England icon Jason Leonard.
Wales vs England
16:43A perfectly-observed silence before the anthems on the week of the 75th anniversary of the Llandow air disaster, an accident that happened in Wales in 1950 with 80 deaths.
‘God Save the King’ coming up first from England with the anthems, followed by Wales’ ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’, which is always something truly special at this stadium.
An impressive show of light, noise and pyrotechnics at the stunning Principality before kick-off.
Will Stuart soaks it all in on his own for a few moments as the England tighthead celebrates his 50th international Test cap.
Here come the rest of the teams!
National anthems on the way.
15-minute warning
16:32Final preparations in Cardiff, where there’s already a cracking atmosphere bubbling away under the closed roof of the Principality Stadium as the choir on the pitch belt out ‘Cwm Rhondda’.
Kick-off is just 15 minutes away...
Ireland back top after bonus-point win over Italy
16:18 , George FloodIt’s all over in Rome, where Ireland have beaten Italy 22-17 thanks to hooker Dan Sheehan’s hat-trick of tries to kick off Six Nations Super Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico.
Not the sort of dominant response they would have wanted to that sobering second-half thrashing by France, but it is nevertheless a bonus-point win that takes them back from third to top of the standings for now.
They finish on 19 points and a points difference of +18.
England would go back above Ireland and into top spot if they win with a bonus point in Cardiff, while a win without a bonus point would also be enough to jump above Ireland due to their superior points difference.
As well as England slipping up, Ireland now need France to draw with Scotland in Paris without any bonus points or lose outright.
Italy end up with a losing bonus point, meaning they edge two ahead of Wales in fifth in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Here’s more pre-match assessment from Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Principality Stadium...
🗣️ "England need to win and win well to try and put the pressure on France."@sr_collings looks ahead to a huge clash in Cardiff on #SuperSaturday
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) March 15, 2025
LIVE: https://t.co/gLF6K8adTZ#WALvENG | #SixNations | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/gCMNwR6pl0
England must throw down title gauntlet to France in Six Nations finale
15:55Only a week ago, it looked like the Six Nations were going to have to find a new name for this weekend’s ‘Super Saturday’, writes Simon Collings in Cardiff.
Ireland appeared on course for the Grand Slam if they could beat France in Dublin and - given they would face Italy first up next - the drama of the final weekend looked like it would be lost.
‘Super Saturday’ would have to be rebranded as, simply, Saturday.
France’s stunning win over Ireland changed all that, though, and now the end to this year’s Six Nations is perfectly poised.
Read the match preview in full here
Wales hope in fight to avoid another wooden spoon
15:46 , George FloodDan Sheehan’s second try - followed by another missed conversion from Jack Crowley - has extended the Irish lead out to 17-10 in Rome, where a second Hugo Keenan score was chalked off and Italy number 8 Ross Vintcent saw his yellow card upgraded to red in the bunker.
Now Sheehan has a hat-trick and there is the bonus point! Crowley off the mark from the tee again - Sam Prendergast breathing a sigh of relief.
Wales will be pleased with the way this is going with Italy on course to pick up nothing in terms of points at the moment.
Their superior points difference means that one point later would be enough for Wales to leapfrog Italy off the bottom and avoid a second successive Six Nations wooden spoon.
Standard Sport’s Simon Collings is in position at the Principality Stadium, where the view from the press box could not be any better.
Lucky enough to been in a fair few press boxes. Think this might be the best one yet. pic.twitter.com/26hl6J2yEs
— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) March 15, 2025
Six Nations permutations: How can England win the title?
15:27Ireland need to win with a bonus point in Rome to stand any real chance of fighting back from third to make Six Nations history today.
Even then they would need England not beating Wales and France not beating Scotland or claiming any bonus points.
If they win without a bonus point, they would need England to lose or draw without getting a bonus point and France to lose without picking up two bonus points.
England’s bonus-point win over Italy in round four means they went into the final day sitting second on 15 points, one behind France and one ahead of Ireland.
England can only reach 20 points if they get another bonus-point win over Wales, so they realistically need to achieve that and hope that France slip-up later on.
A France win with a bonus point puts them one point above what England could hope to reach and it is extremely unlikely that Steve Borthwick’s men would be able to engineer the sort of enormous points swing they would need if they win with a bonus point and France then win without one.
England can win the title by beating Wales without a bonus point, though it would require France to either draw or lose to Scotland - both with no bonus points.
Read our permutations piece in full here
Ireland hold narrow lead over Italy at half-time
15:18It’s half-time in our first game on Six Nations Super Saturday, where Ireland are in a real battle against Italy and only lead 12-10 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
The Azzurri made a brilliant start to score first through Monty Ioane, though Hugo Keenan and Dan Sheehan have since hit back with tries.
Tommaso Allan has nailed a penalty for Italy, while Jack Crowley missed one of his two conversions.
Italy captain Michele Lamaro was yellow-carded just before Sheehan’s try, having been brought on early for Sebastian Negri, with Dino Lamb and Lorenzo Cannone also injured.
Pretty stodgy stuff overall from Ireland again after that second-half pasting by France in Dublin last weekend.
Not nearly enough if they still want to claim that historic third straight title against the odds today.
Atmosphere building in Cardiff
15:04 , George FloodThe atmosphere is already building brilliantly as ever in Cardiff ahead of kick-off, always an extra buzz around the place for this fixture.
Usually in years gone by there is plenty of chat about whether the Principality Stadium’s famous retractable roof will be opened or closed and its potential impact on the game.
However, there’s been none of that debate this time around after it was announced back in January that Wales would play all of their home international fixtures under a closed roof for the next two years in a bid to maximise that sensational noise and atmosphere.
Previously both teams had to agree on whether it would be open or closed for any given game.
Wales U20s offer inspiration as England miss out on title
14:54 , George FloodWales can take significant inspiration from their Under-20s team as they seek to finally end that torrid 16-Test losing streak this afternoon.
England’s talented youngsters were hunting a Six Nations Grand Slam ahead of last night’s dramatic finale, only to be stunned 23-13 by their Welsh counterparts in Cardiff.
That result opened the door for France to snatch the title with a thrilling 45-40 victory over Scotland in Paris that included 12 tries in total - seven from Les Bleus.
France finished top on 20 points in the end to claim their first U20 championship since 2018, with defending champions England two behind in second and Wales coming third.
Wales vs England prediction
14:44 , George FloodEngland need to win this and win it well to have a shot at the title, and even then they will still need France to stumble on home soil with the trophy so tantalisingly within reach.
It’s a shock team selection from Steve Borthwick in so many facets, but one that has clearly been picked in an attempt to continue the expansive attacking game we saw against Italy to get tries and points on the board as soon as possible and avoid the usual tense arm wrestle that we’ve commonly seen between these two rivals in recent years.
It seems a risk definitely worth taking in the circumstances, though if it backfires England will surely end up third with Ireland likely to brush aside Italy in Rome earlier on Super Saturday.
The first half against Scotland threatened to undo the significant progress that Matt Sherratt has made in such a short space of time with Wales, though they showed admirable resolve again after the break having pushed Ireland to the limit in his first game in charge.
Form tends to go out of the window whenever Wales meet England, though how the home fans would dearly love that embarrassing losing run to end in this of all fixtures to finish another torrid championship on a high.
However, we’re backing the visitors to come out on top once more with that additional firepower and confidence flowing - though they will take nothing for granted.
England to win, by seven points.
Wales vs England lineups
14:38Wales XV: Murray; Mee, Llewellyn, B Thomas, Roberts; Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Smith, Dee, John; Rowlands, Jenkins; Wainwright, Morgan (c), Faletau
Replacements: Lake, G Thomas, Assiratti, Teddy Williams, Reffell, R Williams, J Evans, Tompkins
England XV: M Smith; Roebuck, Freeman, Dingwall, Daly; F Smith, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Stuart; Itoje (c), Chessum; T Curry, B Curry, Earl
Replacements: George, Baxter, Heyes, Cunningham-South, Pollock, Willis, Van Poortvliet, Ford
England team news
14:35Some bold and unexpected changes from Steve Borthwick today as England go hunting the big victory in Cardiff that would pile the pressure on France on Super Saturday.
Marcus Smith comes straight back into the starting lineup at full-back having played most of last week’s 47-24 bonus-point win over Italy at Twickenham off the bench following a season-ending Achilles injury for Ollie Lawrence that forced an early backline reshuffle.
Elliot Daly was moved from 15 to outside centre in that game, but today he’s on the wing opposite Tom Roebuck who has been brought in to make his first England start.
Ollie Sleightholme has been dropped altogether despite his two tries against the Azzurri and Tommy Freeman moved inside off the wing to 13, starting in the centres - where he has played plenty for his club - for the first time at Test level alongside Northampton team-mate Fraser Dingwall.
In the pack, Jamie George makes way for Luke Cowan-Dickie at hooker after earning his 100th Test cap last time out and Ben Curry is rewarded for another fine performance as a finisher by joining twin brother Tom in the back row, with Tom Willis dropped to the bench and Ben Earl shifting back to number 8.
It’s a 6-2 bench split from Borthwick, with highly-rated uncapped Northampton back-rower Henry Pollock hoping for his senior international debut and veteran fly-half George Ford added.
Bath flanker Ted Hill drops out of the squad along with Sleightholme and the injured Lawrence, whose British & Irish Lions hopes are also now over.
Wales team news
14:26 , George FloodTemporary Wales coach Matt Sherratt has made two changes to the team that lost 35-29 at Murrayfield in an eventful clash in round four.
Three-cap centre Joe Roberts has been picked to make a first appearance in an unfamiliar position out on the wing in place of Scarlets team-mate Tom Rogers, who has a fractured thumb.
The other alteration is in the back row, where Aaron Wainwright comes in at blindside flanker with Tommy Reffell moving to the bench and influential captain Jac Morgan switching to his preferred position at openside.
Otherwise it’s as you were from Wales, with Saracens centre Nick Tompkins promoted to the bench after Rogers joined fellow wing Josh Adams in being released from the squad due to injury.
How to watch Wales vs England
14:19TV channel: Wales vs England in the 2025 Six Nations is being broadcast live today in the UK on BBC One and Welsh-language channel S4C, with coverage starting on both channels at 4pm GMT.
Live stream: The game can also be viewed live online via the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer.
Wales vs England live
14:14 , George FloodEngland travel to meet Wales this afternoon in the middle match on an exciting Super Saturday in the 2025 Six Nations.
Steve Borthwick’s side look best-placed to take advantage of any slip-ups by leaders France against Scotland in Paris later on tonight, but first they need to put the pressure on by winning well in Cardiff.
Wales still haven’t won a single match since the 2023 Rugby World Cup and are desperately hoping to end their record losing run that now stands at 16 successive Tests, 10 in a row in the Six Nations, but there has been a clear resurgence under the temporary leadership of Matt Sherratt, if you discount last week’s first half at Murrayfield.
Two bonus points picked up in that losing effort against Scotland, Wales can still hope to rise off the bottom and at least avoid a second successive wooden spoon at Italy’s expense.
