Wales vs England LIVE! World Cup warm-up match stream, latest score and rugby updates today
Steve Borthwick’s squad step up their Rugby World Cup preparations today in Cardiff in the first of two Tests. The head coach will on Monday name his 33-man squad for the tournament in France, so today certain players could either earn their place on the proverbial plane or find themselves left on the runway.
England have named three debutants in the starting line-up as flanker Tom Pearson looks to make an impression at the Principality Stadium. The same goes for Saracens pair no8 Tom Willis and hooker Theo Dan. Marcus Smith is understood to have already secured his place in the World Cup squad but will still want to impress given the competiton at fly-half. Ellis Genge is the captain.
Wales will travel to Twickenham this time next week, before England travel to Ireland and then host Fiji to complete their World Cup preparations. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Nick Purewal in Wales!
Live updates
73min: An untimely fumble from Dan – England’s 16th handling error of the game – halts a promising attack. Borthwick does not look impressed.
71min: Captain Genge is replaced by Bevan Rodd and Hendry Slade is on for Mallins.
69min: Dyer has just been sent to the shops by Cokanasinga.
66min: England cannot get to grips with their line-outs today, another wayward delivery. So many errors today.
63min: Almost a perfect first touch for Grady, just on for Wales, as he drives towards the line from 15 yards out but Steward and Genge team up to deny a third Wales try.
61min: More England changes as George Ford replacess Smith at fly-half.
Nick Purewal at Principality Stadium
England’s evening continues to take a sour turn here, with George North capping yet more Welsh dominance with his side’s second score. Just when England needed to step on the gas, it was the home side who floored it instead. Defeat would hardly be a disaster, but the size of England’s task has been rammed home yet again.
TRY!
59min: Wales extend their lead as North eventually is the one to find space to dive over after Biggar’s clever chip sends Rees-Zammit on the other side of the pitch.
56min: Tom Willis replaces Dombrandt for his debut. Kyle Sinckler is on for Stuart.
55min: Theo Dan is on for his England debut as one of three changes.