England's injury stricken side, deprived of so many leading players, came from behind after half - time to beat Wales 16 - 21 and revenge their haunting 30 - 3 defeat from 2013, which made them miss out on the Grand Slam. The Red Rose side, who had five young players making their Six Nations' debut, managed to battle back from 10 - 0 down and claim one of the most impressive victories of recent years. This dramatic win was the perfect start for England to their Six Nations' campaign and made them favourite to win this year's championship.
Warren Gatland's Welsh side had won five of their last six internationals previously.
They went into the match as favourites, which gave them the impetus to start the match on the front foot, as they established a good early lead. Leigh Halfpenny's long-range penalty came right at the start, in the first minute, and thanks to Rhys Webb's try and Halfpenny's subsequent conversion in the 8th minute, the Red Dragons had secured a 10 - 0 lead.
England hit back with Anthony Watson's maiden try in the 15th minute. The frantic atmosphere at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium was intense as Halfpenny and Ford exchanged penalties, to make the score 13-8. Dan Biggar then stretched the half-time lead for Wales to eight points, with a long-range drop-goal just before the break. The scoreline at the end of the first half reflected the superiority in Wales' play.
The Red Rose nation hit back in the second - half and their pack power was on show. After a wave of bulldozing runs, England dented the Welsh back-line and allowed for Jonathan Joseph to score his first international try, as space opened up on the right wing.
Bath fly-half George Ford then missed a long-range penalty which would have put England in front, but the momentum appeared to be shifting.
After Alex Cuthbert was sin-binned in the 61st minute, Ford stroked the penalty in for England to put the Red Roses ahead for the first time in the match at 16 -18. Errors began to creep in as the intensity of the match increased. Ford landed another penalty and in the 79th minute he managed to hold his nerve, to ensure that England stretched their lead by three to make it 16-21.
Ford's 11 points from the boot immensely helped England to a comeback win.
The Red Rose side showed great character to upset the pre-match predictions and find a way to beat the Red Dragons. This was the first time that England have beaten Wales in Cardiff, having trailed to them at half-time. The visiting supporters were ecstatic!
