Wales vs England 2025

Wales vs England Six Nations 2025: A Rivalry Renewed at the Principality Stadium

The Six Nations Championship 2025 reaches its dramatic conclusion on Super Saturday, and one of the most anticipated fixtures of the day is the clash between Wales and England at the iconic Principality Stadium in Cardiff. As two historic rivals lock horns, the stakes are high for both teams in this middle match of the final round.

Match Overview

• Fixture: Wales vs England
• Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
• Kick-off: 4:45 PM GMT
• Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
• Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)

The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and S4C, with coverage starting at 4 PM GMT. Fans can also stream the game online via the BBC Sport website and iPlayer.

The Context: What’s at Stake?

This fixture carries immense significance for both teams. For England, a victory—ideally with a bonus point—keeps their slim hopes of winning the Six Nations alive. They need to win convincingly and hope that Scotland can upset France in Paris later tonight. While France remains the favorite to clinch the title due to their superior points difference, England will want to finish strong and secure at least second place.

For Wales, this is about pride and survival. They are on a record-breaking losing streak of 16 consecutive Test defeats, including ten straight losses in the Six Nations. However, with two bonus points earned in recent matches, they have a chance to avoid finishing last for a second consecutive year. A win, draw, or even a losing bonus point could see them leapfrog Italy if Ireland defeats the Azzurri earlier in the day.

Head-to-Head: A Rivalry for the Ages

The rivalry between Wales and England is one of rugby’s most storied matchups. Since their first meeting in 1881, these two nations have faced off 142 times:

• England Wins: 69
• Wales Wins: 61
• Draws: 12

This fierce rivalry is steeped in history, culture, and passion. The Principality Stadium has often served as a fortress for Wales against their neighbors, but recent years have seen England dominate this fixture, winning nine of their last eleven Six Nations encounters.

In last year’s championship (2024), England edged out Wales in a nail-biting 16-14 victory at Twickenham. However, Cardiff presents a different challenge altogether.

Team News: Key Players to Watch

Wales

Interim head coach Matt Sherratt has made minimal changes to his squad as he looks to build on recent improvements. Despite their struggles, Wales has shown flashes of brilliance in recent games against Ireland and Scotland.

Jac Morgan (Captain): The inspirational skipper leads from the front with his ball-carrying ability and work rate. He has recorded the most in-contact metres (89) of any player in this year’s championship.

Louis Rees-Zammit: The electric winger remains one of Wales’ most dangerous attacking weapons with his pace and finishing ability.

Dan Biggar: The experienced fly-half will need to control the game with his tactical kicking and decision-making under pressure.

England

Steve Borthwick has made four changes to his starting XV following their emphatic win over Italy last weekend. England’s mix of youth and experience will be key as they aim for a strong finish.

Will Stuart: The prop earns his 50th cap and anchors an experienced front row alongside Ellis Genge and Luke Cowan-Dickie.

Marcus Smith: Starting at full-back for this match, Smith’s creativity and counter-attacking ability could unlock Wales’ defense.

Tom Curry & Ben Curry: The twin brothers start together in the back row, adding physicality and breakdown expertise.

Tactical Analysis

Wales’ Approach

Wales will look to disrupt England’s rhythm through aggressive defense and set-piece dominance. Their lineout has been a bright spot this season, with eight steals—the most by any team in the championship. Expect them to target England's throw-ins to unsettle their attacking platform.

Key Focus Areas:

Discipline: Wales has conceded more penalties (49) than any other team this season, often handing opponents easy points.

Counterattack: With players like Rees-Zammit and Josh Adams out wide, Wales can exploit turnovers for quick tries.

Physicality: Jac Morgan’s leadership will be vital in winning collisions and gaining ground through contact.

England’s Tactics

England has relied heavily on kicking throughout this campaign but may adopt a more balanced approach against Wales. Their ball-carrying game has been exceptional, boasting the highest gainline success rate (65%) in the tournament.

Key Strengths:

Dominant Carries: Players like Ben Earl lead England’s charge with powerful runs that break defensive lines.

Defensive Efficiency: England has conceded just 1.9 points per opposition red-zone entry—the best in this year’s Six Nations.

Young Talent: Marcus Smith’s inclusion at full-back adds an unpredictable element to their attack.

The Venue: Principality Stadium

The Principality Stadium is one of rugby's most iconic venues, known for its raucous atmosphere when the roof is closed—as it will be today. With a capacity of 73,931 passionate fans, it provides an intimidating setting for visiting teams.

For Wales, playing at home offers some solace amid their struggles. The crowd will undoubtedly play its part in lifting the team as they aim to end their losing streak against one of their fiercest rivals.

Predictions

This match promises to be tight and nervy given what is at stake for both teams:

Key Matchup: Jac Morgan vs Tom Curry—two dynamic back-row players who will battle fiercely at the breakdown.

Game-Changing Moment: Marcus Smith’s counterattacking ability could prove decisive if given space by Wales’ kick-chase.

Scoreline Prediction: England’s superior form and depth may edge it for them despite Wales’ home advantage—predicted scoreline: England 27–20 Wales.

Conclusion

The clash between Wales and England is more than just another Six Nations fixture—it embodies over a century of fierce competition fueled by history and pride. For England, it is an opportunity to keep their championship hopes alive while building momentum ahead of future campaigns under Steve Borthwick's leadership. For Wales, it is a chance to restore national pride after a torrid run of results.

As fans pack into the Principality Stadium or tune in from around the world, all eyes will be on Cardiff as these two rugby giants collide once again. Whether it’s Jac Morgan leading from the front or Marcus Smith dazzling with his creativity, this match promises moments that will live long in rugby folklore.

With kickoff just minutes away at 4:45 PM GMT, rugby enthusiasts are braced for another chapter in one of sport's greatest rivalries—Wales vs England in the Six Nations Championship 2025!