Meg Jones at heart of England juggernaut – but Wales rewarded with bonus point

Meg Jones at heart of England juggernaut – but Wales rewarded with bonus point Last updated 25 April 2026 4:44pm BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Meg Jones scores for England against the country of her birth Credit: Dan Istitene/Getty Images Kieran Crichard live updates. Gavin Mairs at Ashton Gate Last updated 25 April 2026 4:44pm BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email England 62 Wales 24  The Red Roses machine charges on, and so does the question of who on earth can stop them. With a trip to face Italy in Parma up next, John Mitchell’s side appear to be cruising to another Grand Slam, even if their biggest test yet remains their final-round trip to Bordeaux to face France.  If the result was never in doubt, there were still reasons for Wales to take pride in their performance, and they deservedly secured a four-try bonus point with the final play of the game when Seren Lockwood dived over in the right-hand corner.  There was a stunning performance, too, from scrum-half Keira Bevan, whose sniping runs and relentless doggedness typified the resistance by a Wales side even when they were being outclassed. Yet it says much about the huge gap in financial support and playing resources between the two sides that the best Welsh-born player on the pitch was the England captain Meg Jones, who scored two stunning tries, and helped create another, as Mitchell’s side cruised to victory, scoring 10 tries to back up wins against Ireland and Scotland. Jones, who was born and bred in Cardiff, and was raised watching the Six Nations glory days of Warren Gatland’s men’s side, opted to go down the England route because of its better pathway and structure. The concern for the Women’s Six Nations right now is England’s utter dominance has removed any sense of jeopardy. That is not to say that the capacity crowd at Ashton Gate were not entertained. This England side may not have been at their ruthless best, but the quality of the rugby is at times breath-taking, and they were able to dismantle Wales with their forward power – Marlie Packer scored twice and was player of the match – but also with the attacking verve of Jones, Ellie Kildunne and the hugely impressive Claudia Moloney-MacDonald on the left wing. There was an emotional moment, too, as Millie David marked her debut with a try at her home stadium. More to follow Latest updates Kieran Crichard live updates. Gavin Mairs at Ashton Gate 4:31PM Yet another achievement Link copied to clipboard ✅✅✅ The Red Roses secure the Triple Crown after beating Ireland, Scotland and Wales. pic.twitter.com/qkZsXVj7a8 — Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) April 25, 2026 4:29PM England’s fixtures Link copied to clipboard April 11- England 33 Ireland 12 (Allianz Stadium) April 18- Scotland 7 England 84 (Murrayfield) Today- England 62 Wales 24 (Ashton Gate) May 9- Italy vs England (Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi) May 17- France vs England (Stade Atlantique) 4:25PM Wales head coach Sean Lynn speaking to the BBC Link copied to clipboard “I asked for that character from the girls today and before, 12 months ago, we would have just crumbled away and flopped but to show that character to score two tries and get a bonus point I cannot fault their character. Obviously we are disappointed to concede 62 points but that is a very good Red Roses team. In camp we have a lot of competitiveness in some positions. Going into next week we will review and make sure we are improving.” 4:22PM Post-match thoughts of Wales captain Bethan Lewis Link copied to clipboard “We know it is not the finished article, we are well aware of that, but the progress we are making to get that bonus-point try, it shows the character. I think we can be proud of aspects of that performance. The bench brought on great energy, which perhaps they did not do last weekend, and we have great young talent coming through. We are closing that gap against the best team in the world.” 4:20PM Lead Attack and Backs coach Emily Scarrett speaking to the BBC Link copied to clipboard “You are always in a Test match against Wales; they are so competitive, especially around the breakdown, and are so passionate so it is always going to be tough. They posed some different challenges for us, which is good for our development. We still got a pretty good job done but there is a muted sense in the camp because we know there is so much more to come and it was not perfect. As an England team we hold ourselves to such high account.” 4:16PM Round three fixtures Link copied to clipboard England 62 Wales 24 FT Italy vs Scotland 4.30pm France vs Ireland 8.10pm 4:12PM Player of the match Marlie Packer Link copied to clipboard “Really pleased. Wales gave us a tough game and we knew they had improved massively. We have a young group that stepped up really well for us today. Just putting on this shirt is a massive honour and playing in front of this crowd is amazing. This means everything. Selling out these stadia means everything and we want to put in a performance for these fans. Every time we come into camp we enjoy being around each other.” 4:08PM Full time Link copied to clipboard That Wales try is the final act of the game as England claim a convincing 62-24 victory in the Bristol sunshine. The England juggernaut continues as they claim their 36th consecutive win. It all still feels like we are set for that title decider next month between England and France in Bordeaux in the final round. Three from three 🌹@Womens6Nations | #ENGvWAL pic.twitter.com/L8LdpN9Eb9 — Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) April 25, 2026 4:07PM TRY! Lockwood secures Wales a bonus point Link copied to clipboard England have claimed a comfortable victory but Wales will head back across the Severn Bridge with a bonus point as Lockwood goes over right in the corner to get their bonus-point try. 4:05PM 79 mins: England 62 Wales 19 Link copied to clipboard As we head towards the final minute, Wales have a penalty just outside the England 22 as they go in search of a bonus-point try. The visitors go towards the corner. 4:01PM TRY! Muir powers over for the hosts Link copied to clipboard A tenth try of the afternoon for England. Feaunati made the initial break for the home side and eventually Muir, a week on from her 50th England cap, bundles her way over from close range. Harrison, reliable as ever from the tee, adds the extras. Try number 10 🙌 Maud Muir was in the right place at the right time 💪#ENGvWAL pic.twitter.com/tU8xI8lszM — Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) April 25, 2026 4:00PM TRY! Captain Lewis scores for Wales Link copied to clipboard They are going to suffer a heavy defeat but Wales are still looking to get something from this game. After a number of phases near the English line, Wales captain Lewis powers her way over from close range to bring them within one try of a bonus point. The extras are added. 3:59PM 73 mins: England 55 Wales 12 Link copied to clipboard Bevan shows great footwork to make a break from inside her own half and is then brought down by a high tackle from Kildunne on the England 10-metre line, resulting in a penalty for Wales. The tackle was slightly high from Kildunne but a penalty looks sufficient. Wales kick into the English 22. 3:56PM 71 mins: England 55 Wales 12 Link copied to clipboard England fancy another try as they are on the attack once more on the fringes of the Welsh 22 but M Packer knocks on from Jones’ pass with plenty of space in front of her. 3:54PM TRY! M Packer at the double Link copied to clipboard The back-row has an incredible try-scoring record for England and she adds another to her tally as she is the one to dot down from the England rolling maul. She certainly knows how to find the line. Harrison has nailed two from two from the tee since coming on. Her goalkicking is fantastic. 3:52PM 68 mins: England 48 Wales 12 Link copied to clipboard England are on the attack once more and are awarded a penalty on the Welsh 22 as the visitors fail to roll away. The pressure from England is just relentless. Harrison puts it into the corner. 3:51PM 66 mins: England 48 Wales 12 Link copied to clipboard England thought they had hit the 50-point mark but the try is chalked off. Aitchison puts a lovely grubber kick through into the Wales 22 and Moloney-MacDonald races onto it. The England winger gathers and thinks she is about to score her second try of the afternoon but she loses control as she goes to dot down and the score is disallowed. 3:47PM TRY! Breach dots down in the corner Link copied to clipboard England are over for their eighth try of the afternoon as Breach crosses the whitewash for a 55th time in an England shirt. The hosts are in possession inside the Welsh 22 and have numbers out to the right. Aitchison swings a lovely pass out to the right wing, where Breach is in space and runs in for the try. Harrison is now on kicking duties and, as she did throughout the win over Scotland, nails the conversion. Jess Breach 🤝 scoring tries#ENGvWAL pic.twitter.com/WmSQV1lebZ — Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) April 25, 2026 3:44PM 61 mins: England 41 Wales 12 Link copied to clipboard England have now emptied the bench as they make their final two changes with Lutui and Harrison coming on. The former scored her first try in her second cap last week, the latter was particularly impressive from the tee. 3:43PM 60 mins: England 41 Wales 12 Link copied to clipboard Wales, for what feels like the first time in a long while, have possession on the England 22 but their attack is ended after giving away a penalty at the breakdown. The intensity of the first half has dipped. England are cruising to yet another victory but John Mitchell will be looking for more ruthlessness as head into the final quarter. 3:39PM 56 mins: England 41 Wales 12 Link copied to clipboard Wales are being forced into a change as Richards, who has only recently come on as a replacement, is limping off injured. Lockwood is on in her place.  England have made a few changes in the last few minutes, including at hooker and scrum-half with Powell and Robinson coming on. 3:33PM TRY! Moloney-MacDonald scores in the corner with diving finish Link copied to clipboard That is a great finish right in the left corner from the England winger. England shift the ball from right to left, courtesy of two lovely, long passes from Aitchison and Jones. The ball is shipped out to Moloney-MacDonald, who pins her ears back and goes for the corner. It is not the easiest of finishes but Moloney-MacDonald dives at the right moment and keeps her feet in the air to get the ball down first. Rowland cannot add the conversion. Leaping into the corner 🌟 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald did brilliantly to get this one down 👏#ENGvWAL pic.twitter.com/KaF6lwM4qh — Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) April 25, 2026 3:31PM 52 mins: England 36 Wales 12 Link copied to clipboard That is surely a deliberate knock-on. England are in possession just outside the Wales 22 and Jones’ pass outside looking for Breach is deliberately slapped down by Powell. Initially just a penalty is given but the TMO is stepping in as this will surely be upgraded to a yellow. Powell knew what she did immediately, almost giving herself up by reacting, and is rightly sent to the bin. 3:29PM 50 mins: England 36 Wales 12 Link copied to clipboard Jones, with the ball near the Welsh 22, spots space in behind with no Welsh defenders covering in behind and puts the grubber kick through. M Packer tries to race onto the end of it but the ball rolls into touch. Had it stayed in, M Packer would have had an easy finish. 3:23PM TRY! Cokayne powers over for home side Link copied to clipboard That felt a little bit too easy for England as they increase their lead. England win the lineout and set the maul. From five metres out, Cokayne peels off down the blindside and far too easily breaks through the tackle of Bevan before scoring. Rowland gets the conversion as England’s advantage grows out to 24 points. Finding a gap and bursting through it ⚡ Amy Cokayne scores our sixth of the afternoon 🙌#ENGvWAL pic.twitter.com/iGDW7Ef9Tn — Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) April 25, 2026 3:22PM 45 mins: England 29 Wales 12 Link copied to clipboard England’s pack dominates at scrum time just outside the Wales 22 and win the hosts a penalty, which they will put into the Welsh 22. 3:20PM 42 mins: England 29 Wales 12 Link copied to clipboard Kildunne makes a great break from just inside her own half and takes England deep into the Welsh 22 but knocks on as she is brought to the ground. Kildunne displayed great speed to make the break but dropped the ball at a decisive moment. 3:18PM Second half Link copied to clipboard We are back under way in sunny Bristol. 3:13PM HT verdict Link copied to clipboard There is a carnival atmosphere here now at Ashton Gate. The result as expected is not in doubt but England are starting to show their class. We have seen two stunning tries by the Cardiff-born England captain Meg Jones, one a brilliant solo effort and the second finishing off the move of the half. It underscored England’s attacking intent, as they opted to tap a scrum penalty from inside their own half and a soaring long pass by Jones put Moloney-MacDonald clear on the left wing. Her pace and power looked to be enough to take her all the way and included a delightful show and go, with Ellie Kildunne adding her support before throwing a brilliant off-load to put Jones over.  At 29-12 there is no way back for Wales. But they will have taken heart from impressive moments early on, and with two tries already, have the incentive of chasing a losing bonus point. 3:11PM Round three fixtures Link copied to clipboard England 29 Wales 12 HT Italy vs Scotland 4.30pm France vs Ireland 8.10pm 3:03PM Half-time Link copied to clipboard That was the final act of the half as England go into the break 29-12 up. 3:02PM TRY! Jones finishes off stunning England move Link copied to clipboard What a way to finish off this first half and Ashton Gate goes wild. England win a scrum penalty inside their own half near the right touchline and take it quickly. They move it from right to left, helped by a brilliant long pass from Jones out to Moloney-MacDonald on the left wing. She sprints towards the Wales 22 and looks like she might go all the way. She offloads back inside to Kildunne, who then gets the pass off to Jones to cap off a fantastic move from the hosts. Jones ➡️ Moloney-MacDonald ➡️ Kildunne ➡️ Jones Ending the first half in style 🤩#ENGvWAL pic.twitter.com/2DxUX9nBrH — Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) April 25, 2026 2:54PM 34 mins: England 24 Wales 12 Link copied to clipboard David, on her England debut, has failed her HIA so will not return. Breach will stay on. 2:53PM TRY! Hooker Jones powers over Link copied to clipboard Wales are not going away and are keeping England honest. It is a well-worked move around the front of the lineout, coming down the shortside and Jones is the one who finishes it off. Bevan’s conversion misses to the left. 2:52PM 32 mins: England 24 Wales 7 Link copied to clipboard Wales are awarded a penalty just outside the England 22 after an illegal side entry by England. George puts the kick into the 22. England stop the maul, forcing Wales to break away. M Packer then fails to release after making the tackle and England are penalised once more. Wales go back into the corner. 2:48PM TRY! England captain Jones secures bonus point Link copied to clipboard Against the country of her birth, Jones has secured the bonus point for England before the half-hour mark. England are on the attack just inside the Welsh half and Jones catches the visiting defence out. She fakes the pass outside her and spots the gap between two forwards in front of her. She steps back inside, goes through the gap and motors all the way to the line. Rowland cannot add the extras. England already have the four-try bonus point, including a wonderful try by the Cardiff-born Megan Jones. Wales’ resistance has been impressive but they are being outclassed by the world champions. All class from Meg Jones ✨#ENGvWAL pic.twitter.com/eT0qpC3SZP — Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) April 25, 2026 2:44PM TRY! M Packer bundles over Link copied to clipboard England’s rolling maul is so effective. There is no stopping the England pack from close range as M Packer breaks from just a few metre out and powers her way over the line. Rowland’s conversion goes right down the middle and England’s lead grows back out to 12 points. Marlie Packer on a mission 👊#ENGvWAL pic.twitter.com/atp4RegcYU — Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) April 25, 2026 2:44PM 24 mins: England 12 Wales 7 Link copied to clipboard After stealing a lineout inside their own half, England move the ball from right to left. The speed on the outside is displayed by the England backs as Kildunne offloads outside to Moloney-MacDonald. As England move into the Welsh 22, Moloney-MacDonald tries to pass back inside but it is intercepted. However, England soon after win a penalty at the breakdown and go to the corner... 2:41PM 21 mins: England 12 Wales 7 Link copied to clipboard Play has been halted as Kabeya is down for the home side with what appears to be a shoulder injury. The flanker does appear to be in some pain and is going to come off. She is pretty emotional as she walks off and is replaced by Short, who is playing on her home ground. Another injury for England to contend with. 2:36PM 19 mins: England 12 Wales 7 Link copied to clipboard England are being forced into a head-injury assessment with David going off so Breach comes on at least temporarily. 2:33PM TRY! Bevan hits back for Wales Link copied to clipboard The visitors are on the board. Wales shift the ball into the hands of the backs instead of the rolling maul. From the next phase, which appears like a training-ground move, Bevan quickly picks from the base of the ruck and spots space on the blindside and darts over. She converts her own try and it is now a five-point game. Keira Bevan has really caught the eye for Wales and she showed superb vision and acceleration in finishing what looked like a training ground move from the five-metre line-out for her side’s opening try.  2:33PM 16 mins: England 12 Wales 0 Link copied to clipboard An England move goes wrong on halfway as a loose pass results in the ball going to ground and Wales break through Bevan. She looks like she has the pace to get all the way to the line as she outpaces Aitchison but England captain Jones gets back to make the tackle inside her 22. Wales maintain possession and then win themselves a penalty. They turn down an easy three points and instead go to the corner. 2:29PM TRY! David over on her debut Link copied to clipboard A great moment for the debutant on her home ground. With a penalty advantage in hand inside the Wales 22, Aitchison swings a lovely pass out to the right wing, allowing David to run onto it at full speed and goes over. A stunning pass from Aitchison. Rowland cannot add the conversion. The pass 🤌 The finish 🎯 A try for debutant Millie David on her home ground 👏#ENGvWAL pic.twitter.com/902k6O33G1 — Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) April 25, 2026 2:28PM 13 mins: England 7 Wales 0 Link copied to clipboard England carry hard into the Wales 22 and earn themselves a penalty advantage as the visitors fail to roll away... 2:27PM 12 mins: England 7 Wales 0 Link copied to clipboard England have the lead but some really encouraging moments of play from Wales so far, both in defence and attack.  2:26PM 10 mins: England 7 Wales 0 Link copied to clipboard That is strong maul defence from England. Wales win a lineout not far outside the England 22 and seemed to be building good momentum with the rolling maul into the 22. England though cause disruption in the centre of the maul and win themselves a scrum as a result. 2:22PM TRY! Feaunati powers over for England Link copied to clipboard The hosts are over for the first score of the afternoon inside seven minutes. Feaunati was the player to start off the attack, making a great break from a lineout near the Welsh 10-metre line to take England deep into the Wales 22, and then is the one to finish it off from close range. England’s forwards have been carrying hard so far and earn the rewards for that. Rowland, on kicking duties, adds the extras. Up and running at Ashton Gate 👊#ENGvWAL pic.twitter.com/i2MCWVz9Hv — Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) April 25, 2026 2:20PM 5 mins: England 0 Wales 0 Link copied to clipboard That was a nervy moment from Wales as M Packer charges down George’s kick but Bevan scampers back for Wales to dot down behind their line with M Packer not far away. 2:19PM 4 mins: England 0 Wales 0 Link copied to clipboard The ball is never put into the scrum but Wales are the ones to win the penalty, giving them an easy escape from deep inside their 22. 2:18PM 2 mins: England 0 Wales 0 Link copied to clipboard The first penalty of the game goes the way of the hosts. Initially, a knock-on had been given against Wales just outside the Welsh 22 before that was upgraded to a penalty for a deliberate knock-on. England kick into the 22. They win the lineout and set the maul. M Packer breaks out and is brought down five metres shy of the Wales line. From the next phase, Kabeya carries hard into contact but knocks on not far from the line. 2:15PM Kick-off Link copied to clipboard In the stunning sunshine in Bristol, we are under way. Can Wales cause a huge shock or will the England juggernaut continue on? 2:13PM Reminder of the teams Link copied to clipboard England starting XV: 15 Ellie Kildunne; 14 Millie David, 13 Meg Jones (captain), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald; 10 Holly Aitchison, 9 Lucy Packer; 1 Mackenzie Carson, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Sarah Bern, 4 Abi Burton, 5 Delaney Burns, 6 Sadia Kabeya, 7 Marlie Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati. Replacements: 16 Connie Powell, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Haineala Lutui, 20 Demelza Short, 21 Flo Robinson, 22 Zoe Harrison, 23 Jess Breach. Wales starting XV: 15 Kayleigh Powell, 14 Seren Singleton, 13 Courtney Keight, 12 Jenna de Vera, 11 Jasmine Joyce, 10 Lleucu George, 9 Keira Bevan, 1 Gwenllian Pyrs, 2 Kelsey Jones, 3 Sisilia Tuipulotu, 4 Jorja Aiono, 5 Gwen Crabb, 6 Branwen Metcalfe, 7 Bethan Lewis, 8 Bryonie King. Replacements: 16 Molly Reardon, 17 Maisie Davies, 18 Donna Rose, 19 Georgia Evans, 20 Alisha Joyce, 21 Seren Lockwood, 22 Catherine Richards, 23 Freya Bell. 2:09PM Anthem time Link copied to clipboard Both sides emerge into the Bristol sunshine and it is time for the national anthems. “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” followed by “God Save The King”. 2:03PM Pre-match thoughts of Wales head coach Sean Lynn Link copied to clipboard “The big focus is going to be on us, everything we have been doing and sticking to our processes and learning from the game against France last week. “There are a lot of work-on’s out there [after their defeat to France]. We had a good 45-50 minutes but it is making sure we can go the full 80. That is what we are hoping for today. England have gone away to Scotland and had a really comfortable win. But today is all about us and and making sure we can play the full 80 minutes. “We are going after the win and making sure we are learning what we have taken from the last two fixtures.” 2:00PM Host going through their warm-ups Link copied to clipboard Scrum practice Credit: Nigel French/PA 1:56PM England’s fixtures Link copied to clipboard April 11- England 33 Ireland 12 (Allianz Stadium) April 18- Scotland 7 England 84 (Murrayfield) Today- England vs Wales (Ashton Gate) May 9- Italy vs England (Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi) May 17- France vs England (Stade Atlantique) 1:50PM A challenge to the other unions Link copied to clipboard England’s current captain Meg Jones, who was born in Cardiff, is seeking more competitiveness in the Six Nations. Here is what she has had to say: “You always want it to be a close game,” the Red Roses captain said. “You see the scoreline when you haven’t watched it and you think it could probably do with a bit more of a competitive edge. Do we want to see a continuation of development in other nations? Yes, that’s always going to be the way because we want the women’s game to be elevated. “We want it to be a global sport. We want people to watch it here, there and everywhere. We also want the backing of every nation in today’s sport. That’s a given. Yes, we’ve got our own stuff that we’re trying to push and raise the bar. I want those Scottish girls to get the pathway, the funding they deserve, and the infrastructure they all deserve. “It hasn’t happened overnight. Yes, we’re a dominant force, but it’s because of all the things in the background that we’re willing to invest in. What other nations should be doing is, ‘Right, what are they doing? Because it’s clearly working.’ What do you think of Jones’ comments? Do you agree? A reminder that you can have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the blog. 1:43PM Perfect weather Link copied to clipboard Glorious sunshine here at Ashton Gate and perfect conditions for rugby. A full house is expected, and it should make for another festival of rugby. An added twist is that two of England’s starting backline, Meg Jones and Lucy Paker, were both born and raised in Wales, to underscore the massive advantage in resources of John Mitchell’s squad.  1:36PM Round three fixtures Link copied to clipboard England vs Wales 2.15pm Italy vs Scotland 4.30pm France vs Ireland 8.10pm Everything appears to be pointing towards a title decider between England and France in the final round next month, with both sides with two wins from two. They will meet in Bordeaux on May 17. 1:30PM Sadia Kabeya interview: I felt like my brain had been hijacked. Now I go to therapy Link copied to clipboard As Sadia Kabeya basks in the Pennyhill Park sunshine, she is, in her own words, on top of the world. After all, the 24-year-old is already a world champion, a multiple Grand Slam winner, a member of the Red Roses’ leadership group and, undoubtedly, a captain in the making. Rewind 12 months, however, and life was markedly different for the usually effervescent Kabeya. After coming off the bench in round one and starting in rounds two and three, the flanker was not seen again in the 2025 Women’s Six Nations; a loss of form on the pitch caused by spiralling mental health off it. “It had been brewing since the start of the 2025 Six Nations and I’d arrived not feeling myself,” Kabeya tells Telegraph Sport. “That translated to the pitch. I had a conversation with Mitch [head coach John Mitchell] earlier in the season and he said he felt like I was just hiding – and he was right. Sadia Kabeya starts for England this afternoon after an impressive performance last weekend Credit: Nigel French/PA 1:23PM Hosts arriving Link copied to clipboard The Red Roses are in the house 🌹@O2 | #WearTheRose pic.twitter.com/o9cZZLSmD3 — Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) April 25, 2026 1:17PM Teams Link copied to clipboard England starting XV: 15 Ellie Kildunne; 14 Millie David, 13 Meg Jones (captain), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald; 10 Holly Aitchison, 9 Lucy Packer; 1 Mackenzie Carson, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Sarah Bern, 4 Abi Burton, 5 Delaney Burns, 6 Sadia Kabeya, 7 Marlie Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati. Replacements: 16 Connie Powell, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Haineala Lutui, 20 Demelza Short, 21 Flo Robinson, 22 Zoe Harrison, 23 Jess Breach. Wales starting XV: 15 Kayleigh Powell, 14 Seren Singleton, 13 Courtney Keight, 12 Jenna de Vera, 11 Jasmine Joyce, 10 Lleucu George, 9 Keira Bevan, 1 Gwenllian Pyrs, 2 Kelsey Jones, 3 Sisilia Tuipulotu, 4 Jorja Aiono, 5 Gwen Crabb, 6 Branwen Metcalfe, 7 Bethan Lewis, 8 Bryonie King. Replacements: 16 Molly Reardon, 17 Maisie Davies, 18 Donna Rose, 19 Georgia Evans, 20 Alisha Joyce, 21 Seren Lockwood, 22 Catherine Richards, 23 Freya Bell. 1:07PM Can anyone stop England? Link copied to clipboard England’s quest for yet another Six Nations title and Grand Slam crown continues as they host Wales at Ashton Gate on matchday three of the 2026 Six Nations. After a slightly clunky win over Ireland in their opener, England provided a ruthless and clinical display at Scotland last weekend, claiming a destructive 84-7 victory at Murrayfield. John Mitchell’s side demonstrated their strength in depth in that emphatic win last week, with plenty of starts from the World Cup absent through injury and pregnancy. “Last weekend was a special performance by the team at Murrayfield and one the whole squad and staff can be proud of, but we have already left that behind us,” England head coach Mitchell said. “This week is about being clear on where our game is strong and where we need to improve. Wales are a side that over-commit at the contest, which will challenge us in a different way. “It is one we are looking forward to, and an opportunity to keep evolving our game beyond the level we have started to build. Under Sean Lynn, Wales are improving, playing with greater clarity and enthusiasm, and we know we will have to earn that right again. For us, it is about elevating our game. That means being courageous in our skillsets, building better connections, and owning our decisions. I love this side when it embraces those challenges, especially in front of a sold-out Ashton Gate.” Ellie Kildunne scored twice last weekend against Scotland Credit: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Wales have suffered back-to-back home defeats to start of this year’s tournament. They lost narrowly to Scotland on matchday one before falling to defeat to France. “We are under no illusions of the challenge we face against the Red Roses,” Wales head coach Sean Lynn said. “We are playing the world champions and Grand Slam champions in front of a sold-out Ashton Gate. It does not get bigger than that and England are the trailblazers in the women’s game and have stolen a march on all of us in the Six Nations. They have been professional longer than us, have their own domestic league and that is the reality of the challenge ahead of us. “These are the games you want to play and get excited about, and we will know where we stand after what we know will be a huge Test match. But this is all about us building our performances and style of play and developing our identity as a team. We need to show the same intensity and resilience that we have shown in the opening two games against Scotland and France and do it for longer. The grit and resilience we have shown and the ability to dig deep is an attribute we showed against France, and we will need that against England.” Kick-off from Ashton Gate is at 2.15pm.