Tommy Freeman made history on March 15, 2025, by becoming the first England men’s rugby player to score tries in all five matches of a single Six Nations campaign. The Northampton Saints back, having shifted from wing to centre for the intense clash against Wales, crossed the whitewash during the match, marking his seventh Test try. Freeman's achievement matched Philippe Bernat-Salles, who set the previous record for France, scoring in every game during the 2001 tournament.
Freeman's incredible performance was part of England's stunning triumph over Wales, where they secured a commanding 68-14 victory, marking one of the most dominant performances seen on the rugby field for years. This decisive win not only brought joy to England fans but also ensured the Six Nations title would be decided later on ‘Super Saturday’ with France facing Scotland.
Celebrations erupted at the Principality Stadium as England demonstrated their rugby prowess. With tries scored by Maro Itoje, Tom Roebuck, and Chandler Cunningham-South, along with Freeman and Will Stuart, England went 33-7 up by halftime. The Welsh, who struggled throughout the match, were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, leading to their second consecutive Wooden Spoon and extending their losing streak to 17 international matches.
Freeman’s scoring run began with his late try against Ireland, which secured England a bonus point, showcasing his knack for capitalizing on key moments. He followed this up with another score against France after expertly receiving a crossfield kick from his club teammate Fin Smith, illustrating their club connection on the international stage.
The match against Scotland presented Freeman with the chance to write history alongside Bernat-Salles, solidifying his place among rugby's elite. His controversial try against Scotland also raised questions; the referee awarded it, though video footage suggested he may not have grounded the ball. “The referee said I got it down, so he must have seen it on the ground,” Freeman mentioned after the game, though skeptics questioned the validity of the decision.
He also capitalized on clever plays from teammates throughout the matches, including the try against Italy, originating from a brilliant grubber kick by Elliott Daly. His ability to shake off defenders was evident when he burst free to score against Wales, underlining his growing significance within the team.
England's performance this day encapsulated their improvement under head coach Steve Borthwick, who emphasized the need for pace and aggression. The forwards were brutal at contact, setting the tone early on. Just three minutes after kickoff, Tom Curry's hard work led to Itoje's opening try, highlighting their aggressive tactics from the start.
Wales, on the other hand, were left reeling from their continuous failures, as they were kept at bay defensively by England's resolute players. A disallowed try from Blair Murray illustrated their frustration, compounded by their inability to score when opportunities arose. Despite managing to claw back with Ben Thomas scoring from close quarters following Freeman’s mistake, it was not enough.
The Welsh have now suffered back-to-back defeats with the Wooden Spoon—symbolizing the last-place finish—taking their match losses to 17, marking one of the darkest times for Welsh rugby. Head coach Matt Sherratt is under pressure as the team continues to struggle against international competition.
Debutant Henry Pollock also made headlines, entering as a substitute and securing two tries, underscoring the depth of promise within the England squad. Alex Mitchell, Joe Heyes, and Cunningham-South added to the tally, greatly surpassing their previous record victory margin of 43-9 against Wales, achieved back during the 2003 World Cup warm-up.
Looking forward, attention shifts to the final match of the tournament between France and Scotland. England's captain, Maro Itoje, embraced the moment with humor as he remarked, “Maybe I'll start singing 'The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond,'” indicating his anticipation for how the championship might unfurl.
This record-setting day not only highlights Freeman's groundbreaking achievement but also reflects the broader narratives of triumph and struggle within international rugby. While England’s future looks promising, Wales faces the urgent task of rebuilding and reclaiming their competitive edge.