England marked their place in the annals of rugby history with a stunning 68-14 victory over Wales at the Principality Stadium on March 15, 2025, a performance some supporters herald as one of the best in the Six Nations championship.
This match not only highlighted England's resurgence under coach Steve Borthwick but also extended Wales' woes, culminating in an alarming streak of 17 straight defeats in Test rugby. The dismal campaign left Wales firmly at the bottom of the Six Nations table, raising serious questions about the future of their rugby program.
In discussing the significance of this match, it’s essential to acknowledge the state of both teams. England, arriving after earlier struggles this season, including a less than impressive performance against Scotland, found their spark against Italy before this commanding display against Wales. The Curry twins, Tom and Ben, were instrumental in England’s success, showcasing their prowess in both defense and attack, often leaving the Welsh defense bewildered.
“It was a cracking performance from England,” a rugby analyst remarked, “but we need to remember Wales was in a fragile state. They have been bereft of confidence with 17 consecutive defeats.” Wales’ struggle to find their footing can be seen in their lack of investment and leadership, having sacked the legendary coach Warren Gatland mid-tournament.
With interim coach Matt Sherratt stepping in, there were flickers of hope, notably in a tight match against Ireland that finally pushed the team’s limits. However, the failures piled up, culminating in a match where England placed ten tries against a reeling Welsh team. Of note in the match was Wales’ inability to strategize against English plays, allowing Fin Smith and Fraser Dingwall to expose the weaknesses in the Welsh defense throughout the game.
In addition to the on-field drama, the match had a royal touch, as the Prince and Princess of Wales attended, underpinning the emotional weight of the event. Prince William, as patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, and Catherine, who took on her role with the English Rugby Football Union in 2022, lent a high-profile presence to the match. They met injured players supported by the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust before kickoff, broaching the ongoing challenges within Welsh rugby.
“It was wonderful to meet members of the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust,” Catherine shared with enthusiasm. “The work they do helps so many injured players and their families feel connected to the game.” This insight into their family life, including stories of Princes George and Louis playing rugby, highlighted their deep ties to the sport, despite the ongoing challenges facing Welsh rugby.
Wales started the tournament in disarray, with an immediate hammering against France, marking the first time since 2007 that they were held scoreless in a full match. This was followed by consecutive losses to Italy, making it the first time that Wales had ever failed to beat this team in two successive encounters. The disheartening run eventually resulted in Gatland's dismissal.
Wales was in desperate need of a radar shift; however, against a formidable England side, the task seemed insurmountable. Amid their seven defeats, only standout performances from players like Jac Morgan gave fans small reasons for optimism. Morgan completed the championship with an impressive tally, delivering 88 tackles, noteworthy beyond any team success.
The pressure was palpable for England to deliver against the beleaguered hosts. The victory not only brings England back into contention for their first Six Nations title since 2020, but it also secured a clear indicator of Borthwick’s ability to mobilize his team effectively. After recent struggles, it seems the coaching staff has embraced a strategy of risk and resilience — a necessary evolution for future success. “We’ve finally begun to understand our capabilities,” Borthwick reflected post-match. “There’s growth within this team, and we’re starting to see it.”
Despite the jubilation for England, one must be cautious in celebration, as even the most commanding victories hold double-edged implications. England walked away from Cardiff beating a Welsh side that many believe are in dire need of reformation. While a Lions tour looms this summer for several players, fears remain about the future of Welsh rugby must be taken seriously. Coach Sherratt recognized this after the match, stating, “We have to rebuild; there’s no other way forward.”
The path ahead for both England and Wales differs starkly, with the latter needing to regroup. As the Welsh Rugby Union begins its internal review, conclusions must be drawn on how the championship was approached and what the future may hold. If recent experiences have shown anything, change and hope will be intertwined in their journey ahead as they seek to reestablish their once-proud rugby heritage. For now, as the fog of defeat lingers, England looks to harness this momentum, while Wales hopes to heal.
