England roar past Wales as Arundell hat-trick sets Six Nations tone

England launched their Guinness Six Nations 2026 campaign in ruthless fashion, dismantling Wales 48-7 at Allianz Stadium to underline their title credentials. A devastating first-half display, inspired by a hat-trick from Henry Arundell, put the contest beyond doubt before the break and left Wales facing another sobering chapter in a difficult period for the national side.

Arundell Hat-Trick Powers England Clear

In wet conditions that promised chaos from the outset, it was England who adapted fastest. After George Ford opened the scoring with an early penalty, the hosts struck decisively as Guy Pepper punched holes through the Welsh defence before Ford spread the ball wide for Arundell to stroll over for the opening try.

Wales’ fragile resistance was then punctured by a disastrous spell that saw both Nicky Smith and captain Dewi Lake sent to the sin bin within a minute for infringements at the line-out. With a two-man advantage, England were clinical. Jamie George opted for a scrum instead of an easy penalty, and the resulting set-piece dominance allowed Ford to delicately kick wide for Arundell’s second.

Ben Earl soon added to the damage, crashing over out wide as England continued to exploit the extra space. The rout was completed before half-time when a loose Welsh pass was intercepted and moved quickly to Arundell, who completed England’s first Six Nations hat-trick since 2019 to send the hosts into the interval with a commanding 29-0 lead.

Brief Welsh Response After the Break

Wales showed some resolve early in the second half and were rewarded when Dan Edwards’ precise punt picked out Josh Adams, who finished smartly for the visitors’ only try of the afternoon. Edwards added the conversion to momentarily lift Welsh spirits.

However, any hopes of a comeback were short-lived. England’s defensive intensity, marshalled superbly by their back-row and reinforced by Richard Wigglesworth’s influence, ensured Wales struggled to build sustained pressure.

England Bench Adds Late Flourish

The introduction of Marcus Smith, Henry Pollock and returning captain Maro Itoje injected fresh energy into England’s play as they turned the screw in the final quarter. Tom Roebuck crossed for a well-worked try, before a penalty try was awarded following sustained pressure near the Welsh line.

Ben Earl later shifted into midfield as England experimented tactically, continuing to probe Wales with new shapes and patterns. The afternoon was capped off in emphatic fashion when Tommy Freeman powered over on the final play of the match, maintaining his remarkable record of scoring in every Six Nations fixture last season.

England Momentum Builds, Wales Woes Deepen

The victory marked England’s 12th consecutive win and fuelled growing belief that Steve Borthwick’s side can mount a serious title challenge. Their blend of accuracy in attack and ferocity in defence proved far too much for a Welsh side still searching for stability.

Wales, who have now won just two of their last 24 Test matches, face an ominous task next weekend as they prepare to take on defending champions France. England, meanwhile, head to Edinburgh for a stern examination against a wounded Scotland, buoyed by an opening performance that was as authoritative as it was ruthless.

Line-ups

ENGLAND

15-Steward; 14-Roebuck, 13-Freeman, 12-Dingwall, 11-Arundell; 10-Ford, 9-Mitchell; 1-Genge, 2-George (capt), 3-Heyes; 4-Coles, 5-Chessum; 6-Pepper, 7-Underhill, 8-Earl.

Replacements: Rodd, Cowan-Dickie, Davison, Itoje, T. Curry, M. Smith, Pollock, Spencer.

Sin-bin: Itoje (52′)

WALES

15-Rees-Zammit; 14-Mee, 13-James, 12-B. Thomas, 11-Adams; 10-Edwards, 9-T. Williams; 1-Smith, 2-Lake (capt), 3-Griffin; 4-D. Jenkins, 5-Beard; 6-Mann, 7-MacLeod, 8-Wainwright.

Replacements: Carre, Francis, Plumtree, Grady, Deaves, Carter, Hardy.

Sin-bin: Smith (17′), Lake (18′), B. Thomas (66′)

Stats

ENGLAND (29) 48

Tries: Arundell (3), Earl, Roebuck, Freeman, Penalty try

Conversions: Ford (4)

Penalties: Ford

WALES (0) 7

Tries: Adams

Conversions: Edwards

Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)

Guinness Six Nations 2026 | All Reports

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