Wales won the Triple Crown in dramatic fashion as they defeated England 40-24 at the Principality Stadium.
Controversial first-half tries from Josh Adams and Liam Williams overshadowed an ill-disciplined performance by Eddie Jones’ side.
Meanwhile, Wayne Pivac’s side remain on course to win the Grand Slam, which appeared improbable before the Six Nations tournament began.
George North led his side out on his 100th international cap (the youngest Welshman to reach this milestone), entering an empty cauldron due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In the 15th minute, with the sides level at 3-3 following a nervy start, Adams collected the ball from a brilliant quick cross-field kick from Dan Biggar to score the first try of the match.
England captain Owen Farrell’s complaints to French referee Pascal Gauzere, that both sets of water carriers were on-field, fell on deaf ears.
Adams will be delighted to have made an impact as he had to miss their two opening ties due to his breach of the Covid protocols.
Not long after Farrell reduced the deficit with his boot, came the second disputed try. Liam Williams went over for the try after he gained the ball from a Louis Rees-Zammit fumble much to the dismay of England who believed he had knocked the ball on.
England responded almost immediately through a typical display of strength and power from wing Anthony Watson to reduce Wales’ lead to 17-14 at half-time.
Early in the second half, Farrell missed a penalty to level the scores. Just a few minutes after, it was Kieran Hardy’s turn to catch England’s defence off guard as he took a quick tap and darted 20 yards to further extend the home team’s advantage.
Opposite number Ben Youngs scored, after a Farrell penalty, and the conversion was expertly slotted to level this classic encounter.
However, further ill-discipline from Jones’ team allowed Callum Sheedy (Biggar’s replacement) to score three penalties as he scored 13 points in a match-defining fashion.
Late on, Wales rubbed further salt into the growing English wound as lock Cory Hill went over the try line to secure a bonus-point victory over their rivals.
Pivac’s side now must travel to Italy and then France as they hope to win their second Grand Slam in three years.
Elsewhere, Ireland gained their first win of this year’s tournament as they dominated Italy in a 10-48 six-try victory in Rome.
Garry Ringrose, Hugo Keenan and Will Connors scored in the first half as a constant wave of attacking Irish green became too much to handle for the Azzuri.
The only blip for Andy Farrell’s team was a Johan Meyer’s try just before half-time.
In the second half, further dominance occurred as tries from CJ Stander, Connors and Keith Earls meant Ireland would be travelling back with a bonus-point.
Making seven changes from their loss against France, many of the replacements will be in contention to start as they face Scotland next.
For Italy, it is their 30th consecutive loss in the Six Nations. They have now conceded 139 points in their last three games and with critics calling for a relegation system, Italy will need to show some form of competition to silence their doubters.
Although France versus Scotland didn’t take place, due to a Covid outbreak in the French camp, Wales vs England made up for this lack of action and we all go again in a fortnight’s time.
