England put on a stunning display of rugby as they overwhelmed Wales with an unprecedented 68-14 victory during the Six Nations Championship at the Principality Stadium on March 15, 2025. This remarkable win not only ensured England's strong position as title contenders but also marked their record scoreline against their fierce rivals.
Head coach Steve Borthwick praised his young team, emphasizing the aggressive and fast-paced style he asked them to embrace. "I wanted the players to play big and fast, aggressive with the ball and that's exactly what they did," Borthwick said post-match. His call for dynamism was answered almost immediately as Maro Itoje opened the scoring with an early try within three minutes, setting the tone for the match.
The victory included ten tries from England, showcasing their variety and depth. Ben Curry, who put on a strong performance, was named player of the match, leading the charge against Wales’ captain Jac Morgan. Curry was particularly effective alongside his fellow teammates, who contributed to the rampant scoreline. Borthwick noted: “It’s been great to see the team’s progression. We were just falling short before of getting those actual wins but the team has stuck to the process.”
England’s commanding lead was secured before halftime, as they went on to score five tries, leading 33-7. Tom Roebuck, making his first start for the national side, was among those who shone brightly, scoring England's second try and confirming his status as one of the game’s exciting new talents.
Despite their early promise, Wales struggled to keep pace with the physically imposing England side, who dictated the game with their swift play and tactical precision. The writing was on the wall, with Welsh fans making early exits from the stadium as their team faced their heaviest defeat since the Six Nations began.
On the opposing sideline, Wales' interim coach Matt Sherratt felt the weight of the day’s disappointment. "Today is devastating for the players. It looked like a game too far," he reflected, underscoring the emotional toll inflicted by their 17th consecutive loss. Sherratt took over from Warren Gatland just weeks before and recognized this match as symptomatic of the larger challenges facing Welsh rugby.
The matchup was fraught with tension from the outset, with Wales attempting to build early momentum. They did briefly give their home crowd something to cheer about when Ben Thomas crossed the line for their only try, but England’s response was relentless. The players calculatedly upped the ante, scoring three more tries shortly after Thomas's effort to stamp out any hopes of Welsh resurgence.
England's clinical approach saw the likes of Tommy Freeman etch his name in history, becoming the first Englishman to score in every round of the Six Nations. Meanwhile, Henry Pollock marked his debut with two tries, demonstrating the promising future under Borthwick’s stewardship.
Reflecting on the performance, Borthwick expressed optimism for the future, particularly noting the potential for many of his players to be included in the British and Irish Lions squad for their upcoming tour of Australia. He commented, "Hopefully lots of them will be going on the plane down under. It will be brilliant for them and a phenomenal experience."
The Six Nations will conclude next week, with England now awaiting the outcome of the France versus Scotland fixture. Borthwick's side has set the stage for what could be their first championship title since before the pandemic. Whatever the final outcome of the tournament, it’s clear this England side is now molding itself under the right conditions to cultivate success.
Wales, on the other hand, faces serious introspection. With the imminent appointment of new leadership within their rugby framework, there lies the urgent necessity for change and rejuvenation. Sherratt acknowledged the need for upcoming reset: "There’s going to be a new director of rugby and coach, and the next camp has to feel fresh for the players." This loss serves not only as a defeat but as part of the wake-up process for Welsh rugby as they seek to reclaim their historic standing.
England's emphatic win paints them as serious contenders for the championship, and their performance on such a grand stage shows they are growing and developing fast. Time will tell if they can sustain this momentum, but one could say there is now tangible hope as they inch closer to their rugby goals.