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.

A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

Wales have named Louis Rees-Zammit at full-back for Saturday’s Six Nations opener against England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.

The selection sees Scarlets pair Josh Macleod and Eddie James return after missing the autumn campaign through injury. For Macleod, 29, it will be a first appearance in the Six Nations, as he steps into the back-row role vacated by the injured Jac Morgan, packing down alongside Alex Mann and Aaron Wainwright.

James is recalled in the centre and will partner Ben Thomas in midfield, while Ellis Mee’s strong form is rewarded with a place in the back three alongside Rees-Zammit and Josh Adams. Blair Murray and Tom Rogers both miss out.

Dewi Lake captains the side once again in Morgan’s absence and is joined in the front row by props Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin. Head coach Steve Tandy has opted for a replacements bench weighted towards the forwards, naming six, with Tomas Francis in line for his first Test appearance since the 2023 World Cup.

Wales arrive in London under no illusions about their recent struggles. They have not won a Six Nations match since March 2023 and have managed just two victories in their last 23 Tests overall.

For Rees-Zammit, 25, the match marks his first Six Nations appearance in almost three years following a spell pursuing American football. Although he began his Wales career on the wing, this will be his fourth start at full-back, having made three appearances there during the 2022–23 season.

He initially returned to rugby with Bristol on the wing, but Bears director of rugby Pat Lam has since deployed him at full-back — a position Rees-Zammit now says he prefers.

“He’s played full-back before, so it’s not something fundamentally new, and he’s done it for Bristol,” said Tandy. “He’s a real threat. If there’s a kick that’s slightly too long, something can happen. I’m excited by his aerial work as well.

“As quick as he is, he’s also a big man, so we’re excited to see him there.”

Macleod’s return has also impressed the Wales head coach after a run of injury setbacks.

“Josh has had some rough luck, but the way he’s come back — the way he leads, trains, and the attention to detail and intensity he brings — has been excellent,” said Tandy. “It’s going to be brilliant to see him out there this weekend.”

Leicester number eight Olly Cracknell was considered but has only just returned to full training and was deemed not quite ready to face England. Wales will also travel without scrum coach Duncan Jones, who suffered what Tandy described as a “freak injury” following an accidental collision in training, prompting consideration of short-term coaching cover.

The broader context makes for sobering reading. Wales have lost 21 of their past 23 internationals, with the only wins coming against Japan in Kobe and Cardiff in 2025. That run includes a record 18-Test losing streak and record home defeats against England (68-14), Argentina (52-28) and South Africa (73-0).

They have endured two successive winless Six Nations campaigns, finishing bottom both times and collecting consecutive Wooden Spoons. England, by contrast, have won their last 11 matches and sit third in the world rankings.

Despite that disparity, Tandy insists the occasion still carries huge significance.

“It’s a special fixture with all the history behind it,” he said. “We know they’re playing some outstanding rugby and are in great form, but I also know what it means to our players to represent Wales.

“The way the squad has trained this week has been really encouraging. I want us to go out, attack the game on Saturday and give the best account of ourselves.”

Teams

Wales: Rees-Zammit; Mee, James, B Thomas, Adams; Edwards, T Williams; Smith, Lake (capt), Griffin, D Jenkins, Beard, Mann, Macleod, Wainwright.
Replacements: Belcher, Carre, T Francis, Carter, Plumtree, Deaves, Hardy, Grady.

England: Steward; Roebuck, Freeman, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George, Heyes; Coles, Chessum; Pepper, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Rodd, Davison, Itoje, T Curry, Pollock, Spencer, M Smith.