England delivered a record-breaking 68-14 victory over Wales in Cardiff, showcasing their dominance in the Six Nations. Ben Curry led the charge, outmuscling Dafydd Jenkins and the Welsh pack in an emphatic performance.
Wales Player Ratings
Blair Murray was a bright spark for Wales, demonstrating pace and incisiveness that could put him in contention for the British & Irish Lions. He earned an 8 for his efforts. Ellis Mee showed promise but was left vulnerable in defense, scoring a 6. Max Llewellyn struggled to capitalize on opportunities, earning a 5. Ben Thomas executed a fine finish for Wales’ first try and worked hard despite limited chances, scoring a 7.
Joe Roberts had one surging run but saw little of the ball, receiving a 6. Gareth Anscombe mixed good kicking with costly mistakes, including a charged-down kick at a crucial moment, earning a 5. Tomos Williams tried to keep Wales moving and provided the assist for Thomas’ try, scoring a 7.
Nicky Smith put in some strong carries but was largely ineffective, earning a 6. Elliot Dee struggled with lineouts and scrums, receiving a 5. WillGriff John held his own in the scrums but failed to make a broader impact, earning a 6. Will Rowlands worked hard but, like his fellow forwards, couldn’t impose himself, scoring a 6. Dafydd Jenkins was outplayed at the breakdown and had a tough afternoon, earning a 4.
Aaron Wainwright provided some momentum, especially with a strong carry before Thomas’ try, scoring a 6. Captain Jac Morgan was passive in defense for England’s first try and struggled to impose himself, earning a 5. Taulupe Faletau, a historically heroic performer, fought hard but was overshadowed by England’s back row, scoring a 5.
Among the replacements, Dewi Lake made a notable impact with a 7, while Gareth Thomas, Keiron Assiratti, and Teddy Williams put in solid shifts, scoring 6s and 7s. Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Jarrod Evans, and Nick Tompkins also contributed but could not change the tide of the game, each earning 6s or 7s.
England Player Ratings
Marcus Smith had a lively performance, showing willingness and dynamism, earning a 7. Tom Roebuck impressed with an early powerful finish, scoring a 7. Tommy Freeman gelled well with his teammates and was authoritative under the high ball, earning an 8. Fraser Dingwall executed the basics efficiently, keeping the attack fluid, scoring a 7. Elliot Daly was reliable and perceptive, providing strong positional play, earning a 7.
Fin Smith delivered a polished performance, demonstrating tactical intelligence and efficiency, earning a 9. Alex Mitchell controlled the tempo, bossed his opposite number, and capped off his game with a crucial try, scoring an 8.
Ellis Genge was dominant with ball in hand and in the scrum, earning an 8. Luke Cowan-Dickie put in a strong defensive effort, including a crucial tap tackle, scoring a 7. Will Stuart recovered from an early penalty to contribute well, earning a 7. Maro Itoje worked tirelessly and led by example, scoring a 7. Ollie Chessum’s early injury left him unable to contribute.
Tom Curry was solid, making his tackles and reading the game well, scoring an 8. Ben Curry was outstanding, excelling at the breakdown, tackling relentlessly, and carrying powerfully, earning a 9. Ben Earl stood out with frequent turnovers and strong presence, also earning a 9.
From the bench, Chandler Cunningham-South impressed with two tries, scoring an 8. Henry Pollock made a major impact, earning a 9. Jamie George, Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes, Tom Willis, Jack van Poortvliet, and George Ford contributed positively, with Ford scoring an 8.
This resounding victory highlighted England’s dominance, while Wales struggled to match the intensity and physicality of their opponents.
