England made a powerful statement in their quest for the Six Nations championship, decisively defeating Wales with a 48-7 victory at Twickenham.

Henry Arundell spearheaded England’s offensive with a remarkable hat-trick in the first half, setting the tone for the match. His efforts were complemented by tries from Ben Earl, Tom Roebuck, and Tommy Freeman, contributing to the team’s dominant performance under Steve Borthwick’s leadership. England further capitalized with a penalty try awarded in the 67th minute, compounding Wales’ woes. George Ford was instrumental, adding four conversions and a penalty to the scoreboard.

Following this opening win, England sits atop the Six Nations standings, edging out France, who secured a 36-14 victory against Ireland earlier in the week.

On the ground at Twickenham, sports analyst Alex Bywater provided detailed player ratings, offering insights into individual performances.

ENGLAND

Freddie Steward – 6

Freddie Steward faced a challenging game, taking a hefty hit during an aerial challenge and finding himself pressured by Ellis Mee. Despite a skillful step past Louis Rees-Zammit, Steward may need to elevate his game to maintain his position in the coming match.

Tom Roebuck – 7

Understandably frustrated when with the line gaping, Tommy Freeman couldn’t find him. Made amends in the second half with try.

Tommy Freeman – 6.5

Produced poor pass to Roebuck when had he been on the money, a try was certain. Responded with some strong carrying and a late coup de grace.

Fraser Dingwall – 6.5

Not tested at all defensively but solid enough in attack. Should keep his place for Scotland.

Henry Arundell – 8.5

Marked first Test start since 2023 World Cup with first-half hat-trick, scoring every time from his first three touches. Now on 11 tries in 12 Tests.

George Ford – 8.5

Unsurprisingly expert kicking, especially from hand. He booted the leather off the ball in the first half as England totally dominated. Star man.

Alex Mitchell – 7

Kicked well but had armchair ride against woeful opponents. Far bigger tests to come.

Ellis Genge – 4

Needlessly tangled with Alex Mann, was held up over the line, was frustrated to concede another penalty and replaced at half time.

Jamie George (capt) – 7.5

Captain with Maro Itoje on the bench. One of the things he does well as leader is liaise with referees. Reliable line-out throwing.

Joe Heyes – 6.5

You thought his battle with Nicky Smith would be competitive. It wasn’t.

Alex Coles – 6.5

Will probably be on the bench in Edinburgh but he’s an important figure now. When Itoje replaced him he was immediately shown yellow.

Ollie Chessum – 8.5

Took control of England’s line-out with Itoje on the bench and even galloped into space with a line break. Impressive.

Guy Pepper –  8

Went the 80 as part of his growing evolution. Provides great line-out jumping option from the back row.

Sam Underhill – 6

Charged down a Louis Rees-Zammit kick early on. Replaced early in the second half by Tom Curry.

Ben Earl – 8.5

Showed he has the pace of a back to score in the corner and was rewarded with a second-half stint at centre.

Replacements: Bevan Rodd (for Genge 41,6), Maro Itoje (for Coles 51,5), Luke Cowan-Dickie (for George 51,6.5), Tom Curry (for Underhill 51,5.5), Trevor Davison (for Heyes 51,6), Marcus Smith (for Steward 66,6), Henry Pollock (for Roebuck 66,7), Ben Spencer (for Mitchell 68,6)

WALES

Louis Rees-Zammit – 5

Underhill got to him early and then he was penalised which allowed England to open the scoring. Didn’t get enough chances to go forward.

Ellis Mee – 4

Did well in immediate aerial battles with Steward but no attacking threat.

Eddie James – 4

He’s ginormous for a centre but we saw absolutely nothing of what he can do.

Ben Thomas – 3

Barely involved until his poor pass fed Arundell’s third. Became third Wales player to see yellow in second half.

Josh Adams – 6

Took until the 48th minute for him to be involved. Second-half try at least meant Wales got on the scoreboard.

Dan Edwards – 5

Cross-kicked well to Adams. Really difficult for him to show his quality when playing behind such a weak pack.

Tomos Williams – 5

Cleverly milked a penalty out of Genge by passing straight at him when he was offside. He’s a quality player in a poor team.

Nicky Smith – 3

Paid the price for his team’s poor early discipline with yellow card. Day to forget.

Dewi Lake (capt) – 3

Soon followed Smith to the sin bin in the first half, leaving his team with 13 men.

Archie Griffin – 4

Stupid penalty conceded for blocking English runners gave field position for Arundell to get the scoring going.

Dafydd Jenkins – 5

Done for obstruction when Wales had their first attacking platform.

Adam Beard – 4

Comfortably outplayed by Chessum and couldn’t stop the English tide.

Alex Mann – 5

After scrapping with Eben Etzebeth in the autumn, he gave Genge a few words. Temporarily replaced when Wales down to 13.

Josh Macleod – 4

Another guilty of poor discipline, in his case for not fully retreating on a kick chase.

Aaron Wainwright – 5.5

Comparing him with Earl was like contrasting chalk with cheese but he carried hard in a one-sided encounter.

Replacements: Liam Belcher (for Mann 18-28,4), Rhys Carre (for Smith 18-28 and 51,5), Tomas Francis (for Griffin 51,5), Taine Plumtree (for Mann 51,3), Mason Grady (for Mee 53,5), Harri Deaves (for Macleod 51,4), Liam Belcher (for Lake 68,4), Ben Carter (for Beard 70,5), Kieran Hardy (for Williams 79,5)

Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)

Attendance: 81,953

Star man: George Ford (England)