England Crushes Wales: Three Takeaways From Record Six Nations Win
England Crushes Wales: Three Takeaways From Record Six Nations Win
England dominated Wales 68-14 in Cardiff. Key takeaways: England's power game, Fin Smith’s playmaking, Wales' struggles and Henry Pollock’s stellar debut.
England delivered a statement performance in Cardiff, Wales, dismantling Wales 68-14 in a record-breaking Six Nations rout.
From the opening minutes, Steve Borthwick’s side dominated the collisions, suffocating the Welsh attack and capitalizing on every mistake.
Maro Itoje’s early try set the tone, and by halftime, England had raced to a 33-7 lead.
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The second half was even more brutal.
Alex Mitchell, Joe Heyes and debutant Henry Pollock all crossed as England racked up 10 tries, while Fin Smith orchestrated a fluid attacking display.
Wales had moments of possession, but the Welsh lacked the power to impose themselves, with Ben Thomas’ two tries offering little consolation.
Here are three takeaways from England’s crushing win:
England’s Power Game And Fin Smith’s Playmaking Flourish
England’s physical dominance was clear from the outset, with the team's set-piece and ball-carrying simply too much for Wales.
However, it wasn’t just brute force - Fin Smith’s control at fly-half helped England unlock its attacking potential.
Pitching yet another top-quality performance has put Smith at the forefront of the British and Irish Lions fly-half role.
Linking up with his Northampton teammates Alex Mitchell, Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman, Smith played with confidence, mixing direct running with sharp distribution.
His ability to manipulate the Welsh defense ensured England’s backline was clinical, a promising sign for the tournament ahead.
Wales’ Lack Of Physicality Exposed
Wales was completely overpowered at set-piece time, with England’s scrum and maul dictating the contest.
The Welsh pack struggled to generate momentum, and Wales' inability to stop England’s one-off runners led to easy yards for the visitors.
Without a stronger platform, Wales spent much of the game defending, unable to turn its possession into meaningful pressure.
Matt Sherratt’s side must find a way to match opponents physically if they hope to avoid further heavy defeats.
Henry Pollock: A Generational Backrow Talent
Making his debut at just 20 years old, Henry Pollock was electric.
The Northampton flanker scored twice and showcased his blistering pace, carrying like a seasoned test player.
His second try, where he cut through the Welsh defense with ease, highlighted his raw athleticism.
With England’s back row already stacked, Pollock’s emergence gives Borthwick another elite option - a potential generational talent who could be a mainstay for years to come.
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