Wales Retain Six Nations With Record Victory

Wales have successfully defended the Six Nations title, beating England by a record 30-3 at the Millennium Stadium.

The victory over England denied the long-time tournament leaders a Grand Slam.

Winger Alex Cuthbert grabbed two second-half tries for the Welsh, after fullback Leigh Halfpenny had kicked them to a 12-3 lead by the 52nd minute.

It was Wales' fourth title in the past nine years and their 26th overall in the tournament - equalling England's haul.

Wales had won their last four matches after opening with a 30-22 loss to Ireland, their eighth straight defeat.

Dejected England players in the hard-fought match in Cardiff

England would have won the title with a loss by six points but had no answer to the Welsh power, with a first-half penalty by Owen Farrell their only points.

The visitors' error count was high and it was the eighth time in the past 24 years that England had thrown away a Grand Slam chance on the final weekend.

It continued the team's downward spiral after they only edged to an 18-11 win over Italy last weekend. They have scored just one try in their last four games.

It was a step too far for Stuart Lancaster's young side, who were much more inexperienced than their opponents at the Cardiff ground.

Wales celebrates the historic win against England

Wales boasted 647 caps and included 12 players who started last season's Grand Slam-clinching victory over France in the same stadium.

The victory margin topped Wales' 25-0 win of 1905.

The roof of the Millennium Stadium had been closed at the request of both coaches - which added to the intense atmosphere.

With the British and Irish Lions tour less than three months away, there were also squad places up for grabs as coach Warren Gatland looked on in the stands.

Pundits had agreed throughout the week that it was too close to call - but they were proved wrong despite a fiercely-fought first half that was breathless, intense and crammed full of ferocious hits.

Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "I'd like to heartily congratulate the whole squad and the coaching staff on winning the Six Nations Championship.

"The team deserves a huge pat on the back on their performance; they did what they had to do to defend their title and keep the Six Nations trophy here in Wales.

"We have seen them fight back from a disappointing opening match to reach this triumph. That took character, determination and team spirit, qualities that they have demonstrated in ample measure.

"Rob Howley and his coaching team deserve huge credit for this. To win the Championship on the back of the difficult run of results that preceded it is a marvellous achievement.

"I'm sure I speak for Welsh people everywhere when I say - well done boys, you've done the whole country proud yet again!"

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