England have got off to a winning start in the opening RBS 6 Nations match in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, as they won their first match in the ground in four visits, winning by 26 points to 19.
England’s win came after they scored two tries to Wales’ one.
Both of England’s tries came from winger Chris Ashton, but he was ably supported by man-of-the-match, stand off Toby Flood.
Wales had opportunities to score, particularly when they had a power play late in the first half, but England got through that phase 3-3, in stark contrast to last year’s 6 Nations match between these sides in Twickenham; when Alun-Wyn Jones’ sin-binning was punished with 10 vital points.
England’s professionalism won the day – or, rather, evening – in this exciting opening match, though Wales will be disappointed that they did not convert some of their good possession and field position into early points in a match they could easily have won.
With three back-to-back home matches, England will carry significant momentum from this opening win against a tricky opponent. Wales must try to get back the finishing ability they have lacked for the past year or more, if they are to get any sort of a foothold in this tournament.
Wales 19-26 England – Points Breakdown
| Wales | 19-26 | England |
| Tries: | (6-13) | Tries: |
| Stoddart | Ashton 2 | |
| Penalties: | Penalties: | |
| S Jones 3, Hook | Flood 3, Wilkinson | |
| Conversions: | Conversions: | |
| S Jones | Flood 2 |