Wales stun England to blow Six Nations wide open

Wales’ lock Cory Hill (centre) scores a try past England’s number 8 Billy Vunipola during the Six Nations international rugby union match between Wales and England at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, South Wales, 23 February – AFP

Wales’ wing Josh Adams chases the ball during the Six Nations international rugby union match between Wales and England at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, South Wales, 23 February – AFP

• France beat Scotland

CARDIFF, REUTERS: Wales blew the Six Nations wide open with an epic 21-13 victory over England on Saturday as late tries for Cory Hill, after a monumental 34-phase goal-line assault, and Josh Adams at the death secured a national record 12th successive victory. 

England were leading 13-9 after a first-half Tom Curry try and looked set to make it three wins in a row before the hosts turned the match, and possibly the championship, with a relentless attack that sent Hill over 12 minutes from time. 

Winger Adams then caught a high kick in the corner to settle it and send the Principality Stadium into raptures, bringing back memories of 2013 when England arrived in Cardiff seeking a Grand Slam but were sent packing 30-3. 

Saturday’s game was a different beast, with momentum swings and nail-biting tension, but the outcome produced the same outpouring of emotion. 

“We are obviously very pleased to get the win,” Wales coach Warren Gatland said. “It was a tough test match against a very good England team. We were much better in the second half.” Wales top the standings on 12 points, with England second on 10, though, thanks to their earlier bonus points and with home games against Italy and Scotland to come, they are still well-placed to win the title. 

Wales will be champions for the first time since 2013 if they win away to Scotland and at home to Ireland on the final day to secure a Grand Slam. 

France, who beat Scotland 27-10 earlier on Saturday, have six, with the Scots on five. Defending champions Ireland, on four points, visit bottom side Italy on Sunday with renewed interest. 

In a tight first half, England continued with their kicking policy, though with less impact against an expert Welsh back three, while the home side tried to keep the ball in hand, though without making much progress. 

Wales’s 12th successive win surpassed the previous best run set from 1907-1910 and few victories could have been celebrated more vociferously. 

“We lost some momentum, gave a few penalties,” Jones said. “It was a game of fine margins and a few of our players were not at their best today. That can happen. 

“Wales deserved their win. They are a tough side but they’ve got a couple of tough games and we’ll be chasing them.”