Wales vs England LIVE: Rugby World Cup warm-up result and reaction from Cardiff

England began their final phase of Rugby World Cup preparation in horribly underwhelming fashion as Wales sent them spinning to a 20-9 defeat in Cardiff.

Second-half tries from Gareth Davies and George North staved off a fifth successive home loss for Wales as England boss Steve Borthwick was given plenty to ponder less than 48 hours before he names his World Cup squad. Few players left lasting impressions, although there were some impressive moments from fly-half Marcus Smith and No 8 Alex Dombrandt, with Wales responding superbly to a three-point interval deficit.

England were abysmal with their ball retention, conceding a colossal 22 turnovers, and Wales did not require a second invitation to capitalise. Full-back Leigh Halfpenny marked his 100th cap by converting both tries and kicking two penalties, with Smith kicking England’s points through three first-half penalties.

England’s opening World Cup game against Argentina is just five weeks away, yet Borthwick will not be reaching for any panic button with three warm-up fixtures still to come on the August schedule. For Wales, it was a significant confidence-booster following a fifth-placed finish in last season’s Six Nations as they recorded just a third win from the last 11 Tests.

Relive the clash below:

Wales vs England Rugby World Cup warm-up - latest updates

• TRY! WALES 20-9 England (George North try, 59 minutes)

• TRY! WALES 13-9 England (Gareth Davies try, 48 minutes)

• HALF TIME: WALES 6-9 ENGLAND

• KICK OFF!

• England coach Steve Borthwick announces his World Cup squad on Monday, meaning his players have one final chance to impress

• TEAM NEWS: Back-rower Jac Morgan captain Wales for the first time as Leigh Halfpenny wins his 100th cap

• TEAM NEWS: Marcus Smith starts at fly-half with fellow Harlequin Danny Care at scrum-half as Tom Pearson debuts in the back row

Warren Gatland speaks to Amazon Primeafter Wales beat England

19:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“I was a little bit apprehensive this morning because I wasn’t quite sure how things were going to go. I was looking for a performance and it was a good start today. It was the performance I was more interested in and I thought those guys put in a performance today. The last 20 minutes we looked comfortable.

“We wanted a bit more linespeed. In that first half, we probably weren’t quick enough coming off the line. We slowed some of their momentum well, started that second half with some pace and intensity in that first ten minutes. It was a pleasing start - I thought we defended well, Aaron Wainwright was excellent, Jac Morgan excellent, the second row. The scrum was a bit messy, so we’ll need some clarification on that. I thought young Sam Costelow grew into the game as it went on and he’ll learn from that.

“One of the things about test match rugby is you can’t coach experience. You’ve got to learn it out there.”

Leigh Halfpenny reacts to the Welsh win

19:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It’s been a special week,” the centurion tells Amazon Prime. “All thanks to the whole group, players, staff. They’ve made it a real special occasion and I can’t thank them enough. Special mention to the boys winning first caps as well. We’re delighted to get the win.

“It’s beyond my wildest dreams. The dream was to play for Wales, to get one cap, let alone this. It hasn’t quite sunk in to be honest. It’s been a journey.”

FT: Wales 20-9 England

19:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England never got going in the second half but the first 40 might frustrate Borthwick more - a series of mishaps inside the Welsh 22 prevented his side capitalising on their territorial dominance. Some clunkiness might have been expected given the make-up of the side and this being a first hit-out of the summer, but too many of England’s errors were basic in nature.

FT: Wales 20-9 England

19:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A performance that will really encourage Warren Gatland, that, his Welsh side scoring 14 unanswered second half points to put a slipshod England away.

Few in English white emerge in credit - which might make Steve Borthwick’s job of narrowing down his squad to a group of 33 to travel to the World Cup a little easier. Borthwick and his coaches convene for a final selection meeting tonight.

FULL TIME! WALES 20-9 ENGLAND

19:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales 20-9 England, 80 minutes

19:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But the England maul goes nowhere and Tom Willis fumbles on the floor. That’ll be that!

Wales 20-9 England, 79 minutes

19:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England can launch a final offensive from the fringes of the Welsh 22. Tom Willis is stood up by Dan Biggar and does rather well to wrestle through the fly-half’s choke tackle to the floor. Tom Pearson drops a shoulder into Biggar on the deck, drawing a few boos from the stands - but the penalty is England’s, and poked into the right corner.

Wales 20-9 England, 77 minutes

19:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jac Morgan is named the player of the match, a popular choice and a just one, too, after a standout performance from the Welsh skipper.

England’s inaccuracy strikes again at the scrum, the ball popping free far sooner than the visiting pack would’ve liked. A fly-hack ahead briefly threatens danger but Wales make a hasty retreat to smother it.

Wales 20-9 England, 75 minutes

19:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Can England salvage anything from a performance that was sloppy in the first half and has been shoddy in the second? They’ll have to go from deep, Theo Dan throwing a lineout inside his own 22.

Jack van Poortvliet goes to the air, with Joe Marchant a willing greyhound after the hare. Louis Rees-Zammit is hauled down by the chasing centre-cum-wing, losing control of the ball as he hits the deck. England’s scrum just inside their own half.

NO TRY! Wales 20-9 England, 75 minutes

19:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Not quite! On first view it looks good for Rees-Zammit, but the officials conclude he hasn’t quite grounded cleanly after an extended look at the footage. Dan Biggar produces a doubting tilt of the head as Nic Berry informs him - it was mighty tight!

Wales 20-9 England, 74 minutes

19:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales create room on the right, Louis Rees-Zammit chipping and chasing...and beating Freddie Steward to the bouncing ball! But has he managed to ground before going dead in-goal...

Wales 20-9 England, 73 minutes

19:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But England’s accuract again lets them down, teh ball ending up back in Welsh hands having sprung free from a messy muddle of a midfield ruck.

England have it back after the latest Welsh kick, Theo Dan showing off his acceleration as he hurries towards the defensive line. A tackler sprawls away as Dan takes contact - and so, frustratingly for the England hooker, does the ball.

Wales 20-9 England, 72 minutes

19:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales go through the motions on halfway, happy to kill a bit of clock. Dan Biggar sticks one up, landing it on Max Malins’s head; the wing handles the up-and-under effectively.

Jack van Poortvliet sends up a box kick with several white shirts in pursuit. The bounce is kind for Tomos Williams but his offload misplaced, allowing Tom Pearson to collect and rush upfield.

Wales 20-9 England, 70 minutes

19:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tom Willis shows his muscular manner, writhing and wrestling to make an extra metre or two from the back of the scrum to create space for a hooked Jack van Poortvliet clearance.

Wales 20-9 England, 69 minutes

19:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Outstanding defensive work from Tom Pearson! A Welsh maul looks set to peel away into a softer section of the English fringe defence but Pearson halts them almost single-handedly, getting low to drive through on to the ball and locking his arms around it.

England survive, and clear their bench: Bevan Rodd replaces Ellis Genge and Henry Slade comes on for Joe Cokanasiga, pushing Joe Marchant, perhaps limping slightly, out to the left wing.

Wales 20-9 England, 68 minutes

19:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Welsh forwards march down into the England 22, following the path taken by Dan Biggar’s punted penalty after the front row had done the job at scrumtime. Another score would surely seal it.

Wales 20-9 England, 66 minutes

19:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A rendition of “Cwm Rhondda” at the Principality with the Welsh fans doing all the singing. Joe Cokanasiga brushes off Rio Dyer’s challenge, the England wing ripping his shirt in the process, but the visitors just can’t put anything together in phase play, the errors continuing to come.

Wales 20-9 England, 64 minutes

19:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But the springy Taine Plumtree pinches Theo Dan’s dart!

Wales 20-9 England, 63 minutes

19:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This performance really will please Warren Gatland, a young side riding the rigours of being second best for most of the first 40 minutes and then coming out with extra intensity and an accuracy England have lacked in this second half.

Still time left for a turnaround, though. An England scrum penalty allows them to advance up the right.

Wales 20-9 England, 62 minutes

19:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Magnificent cover defence from Freddie Steward and Ellis Genge! It’s nearly a dream first touch for Grady, an emasculating swat of Max Malins as he picks and drives from 15 out and the replacement centre seems a certainty to score in the corner. But Steward wraps the legs as he attacks the ankles, rolling Grady towards touch and allowing Genge to provide the requisite biff to force him fully on to the chalk before a try-scoring arm can be extended.

Wales 20-9 England, 61 minutes

19:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England go again to their bench, George Ford replacing Marcus Smith at fly-half. But the Principality crowd are starting to roar, Mason Grady introduced as Wales begin to build again.

TRY! WALES 20-9 England (George North try, 59 minutes)

18:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

George North shimmies past Jack van Poortvliet and flops over under the posts!

England never quite recovered after Biggar’s bobbler caused them all sorts of bother on the left. Wales play with excellent contuinity and edge ever closer, Tomos Williams picking his moment to spread it wider and find his centre. Van Poortvliet is left out of the line on his lonesome and all too easily sent away with a matador’s flick of the cape. The conversion is simple.

Wales 13-9 England, 56 minutes

18:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

All of those changes have just disrupted the rhythm of a contest that was starting to bubble.

Better! Wales play to width on the left and Dan Biggar’s intelligent grubber is gathered by Leigh Halfpenny!

Wales 13-9 England, 56 minutes

18:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sinckler and Dan’s first involvement is at the latest failed scrum, with England pinged.

Those set pieces haven’t been pretty today - unlike this Welsh score.

Wales 13-9 England, 55 minutes

18:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A couple more debuts for England: Tom Willis replaces Alex Dombrandt, with 30 minutes to try and steal a spot as Billy Vunipola’s back-up, while Theo Dan is on for Jamie Blamire, who had an up-and-down day. Kyle Sinckler is on, too, for Will Stuart.

Wales replace their half-backs, Dan Biggar getting a roar as he strides out alongside Tomos Williams. Gareth Davies and Sam Costelow depart, with the first-time starter getting a hug and a pat on the head from Biggar as the veteran steps in at fly-half.

Wales 13-9 England, 54 minutes

18:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Joe Marchant arrives on Marcus Smith’s inside with ideal timing, Smith’s flat flip putting him into a gap. But Smith knocks on in the next phase to grant Wales another reprieve.

Wales 13-9 England, 53 minutes

18:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Charge down! Jack van Poortvlier blocks an attempted clearance from Sam Costelow, his former Leicester academy half-back partner, but can’t quite spot the spinning ball, running five yards in the wrong direction and allowing Wales to recover and smother. Wales clear up to their own ten-metre but fail to find touch.

Wales 13-9 England, 52 minutes

18:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a hit from Jac Morgan! Picture perfect technique from the flanker, stopping opposite number Tom Pearson in his tracks as the flanker tries to hit a locomotive line and dumping the debutant on his back.

Wales 13-9 England, 50 minutes

18:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales swap props: Corey Domachowski and Kieron Assiratti have put themselves about on debut and take leave; Nicky Smith steps in for Domachowski while Henry Thomas, once of England, earns a second international debut. In fact, here’s Wales’ other debutant, too - Taine Plumtree replaces Christ Tshiunza.

England answer with a switch of their own, Danny Care off, Jack van Poortvliet on.

TRY! WALES 13-9 England (Gareth Davies try, 48 minutes)

18:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A brilliant Welsh score!

The first try of the match and it is a beauty. Give the credit to Aaron Wainwright, lurking on the right after that maul and spying an out-matched Danny Care in front of him. Sam Costelow finds the number eight with a cross-kick, with Wainwright able to ride Care’s challenge and free the arms to Jac Morgan.

The openside weaves between four English defenders and produces an offload of his own, Gareth Davies providing support and forcing his way over under pressure from Joe Cokanasiga. Leigh Halfpenny adds the extra two and Wales, for the first time this evening, are in front.

Wales 6-9 England, 47 minutes

18:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Joy at scrum time for the Welsh front row, with England deemed to have caused the latest collapse. Wales into England’s half via Sam Costelow’s boot.

Another penalty Wales’ way, this time for England’s sacking of a maul.

Wales 6-9 England, 46 minutes

18:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Davies is the latest to watch the ball fall from the Principality roof, the scrum-half covering smartly.

In a rarity, Freddie Steward makes a mess of his next high claim, and Wales spread it under knock-on advantage. Rio Dyer tries to out-kick Joe Marchant and Max Malins but runs out of room, looking quizically at Nic Berry as the referee says that advantage was over. Or not, in fact - Berry does eventually bring the players back for a scrum.

An England change, and perhaps an intriguing one with Monday’s announcement in mind - Jonny Hill and David Ribbans may be jostling for one final lock slot. The former replaces the latter.

Wales 6-9 England, 44 minutes

18:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tom Pearson introduces himself brusquely to Max Llewelyn, a cobblestone shoulder sending the centre spinning in a double-tackle. Wales kick up towards the England 22, from where Freddie Steward runs it back.

Wales 6-9 England, 42 minutes

18:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But England fail to make the most of that early territory, and Marcus Smith is soon forced to drop back in the pocket and release an up-and-under...which also ends up in English hands.

Smith says how about another, Joe Cokanasiga up in pursuit...but Sam Costelow this time securely beneath it.

Wales 6-9 England, 41 minutes

18:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A slightly shallow Welsh clearance lands in the hands of Max Malins, spinning and tumbling out of a tackle 35 metres from the hosts’ line.

Wales 6-9 England, second half

18:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And here come the visitors, Ellis Genge out leading the way.

Marcus Smith will get things back underway.

HT: Wales 6-9 England

18:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Of those potentially pressing for a place in England’s World Cup squad (named on Monday), you’d say that Lewis Ludlam and Joe Marchant have done their chances no harm, while Joe Cokanasiga and Guy Porter have maybe not had the performance they’d have liked so far. Still, another half of rugby yet to go before Steve Borthwick gathers his coaches in a Cardiff hotel boardroom tonight to turn pencil to pen.

Wales are back out there, ready to go.

HT: Wales 6-9 England

18:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England will feel disappointed that their lead is only three points, dominating the territorial battle in that first 40 but repeatedly fluffing their lines inside the Welsh 22. The home side have rallied well when required but are struggling defensively out wide, while England have had the better of things in the air to build positionally through the boot. A series of scrum resets sapped the energy of the half a bit, with England’s ascendancy in that regard also cause for optimism for Steve Borthwick - though it should be noted that this could well be his first choice propping pair in France.

Still, that margin really is slim, and you’d fancy Wales to be a bit better after a half-time orange or two.

HALF TIME: WALES 6-9 ENGLAND

18:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

PENALTY! Wales 6-9 ENGLAND (Marcus Smith penalty, 43 minutes)

18:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England take a narrow half time lead.

Wales 6-6 England, 41 minutes

18:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s props force a penalty out of their Welsh counterparts. Joe Marchant is unhappy that George North’s extended fingers deny him a chance to hurry on to a flat Marcus Smith pass - but North’s knock was backwards, saving him from a yellow card and a possible penalty try.

Back for the scrum penalty, which Smith will aim for goal.

Wales 6-6 England, 41 minutes

18:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Corey Domachowski is then over-eager to put his weight on. A free kick against the debutant loosehead. England opt for, you guessed it, a scrum.

Wales 6-6 England, 39 minutes

18:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marcus Smith interjects before the front rows can get down and start pushing, making sure Care is aware of the call. A reset keeps the clock ticking towards halftime.

Wales 6-6 England, 38 minutes

18:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What can Wales put together before half-time? They’ve had precious little ball or territory but find themselves level on the scoreboard, their scramble defence just about keeping them in it.

Not much, it would seem. Marcus Smith sends up a skier which is knocked on by first Welsh and then English hands. Danny Care will put in to what might be the final scrum of the half, about 15 metres out.

Wales 6-6 England, 35 minutes

18:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England fluff their lines again! A short blast from Nic Berry as England are free kicked for a player leaving the lineout before the ball has been thrown. A basic, basic error and another missed opportunity.

Wales 6-6 England, 33 minutes

18:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The visitors are increasing carving the Welsh edge defence to pieces, though. There’s a suspicion that a wide pass from Joe Marchant to Lewis Ludlam is forward but the flanker is allowed to sprint on, and Louis Rees-Zammit slightly cynically paws at Danny Care’s passing hands to disrupt the scrum-half at the ruck. Penalty to England, again inside the Welsh 22 and hoping to make more of this chance at points.

Marchant looks to have hurt himself, but the centre will try to run off his leg issue as Marcus Smith prods into the left corner.

Wales 6-6 England, 32 minutes

18:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And England have another lineout mishap to allow Wales to kick out of their 22. England aren’t making these possessions inside the Welsh red area count.

Wales 6-6 England, 31 minutes

18:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A swap of sides for hooker Jamie Blamire, throwing an England lineout on the opposite touchline 25 metres out.

England cut Wales open! Alex Dombrandt bursts free from Ellis Genge’s inside ball. Can Joe Cokanasiga muscle over?...No! Two Welsh tacklers drive him towards touch and Wales again scramble brilliantly.

Wales 6-6 England, 30 minutes

18:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s lineout doesn’t quite click and they are a little aimless thereafter.

That’s more like it! A skip and a step from Marcus Smith and he puts his ex-Harlequins mate Joe Marchant into space. Leigh Halfpenny gets just enough of the centre’s leg to prevent him cantering beneath the posts and Wales scramble superbly to force an errant toss from Max Malins on the right. Welsh hands are first to the loose ball and they clear their lines.

Wales 6-6 England, 27 minutes

18:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Will Stuart and Dave Ribbans carry in a forthright manner, building some momentum, before England skipper Ellis Genge disrupts the flow with a wayward offload.

England go to the boot, then, and draw an error from the Welsh catchers. It’ll be the visitors’ lineout to throw 25 metres out.

PENALTY! WALES 6-6 England (Leigh Halfpenny penalty, 26 minutes)

18:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A second three pointer for Leigh Halfpenny from a virtually identical position as his first. England were cut open all too easily at the back of that lineout, Joe Cokanasiga and Jamie Blamire both, perhaps, guilty of stalling to leave space for Rees-Zammit to hurry on to an inside ball.

Wales 3-6 England, 24 minutes

17:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Louis Rees-Zammit scorches through! A lovely inside ball to the wing and he’s dragged down a few metres short.

Lewis Ludlam gets hands on the ball but can’t quite snare it. Wales continue, Rio Dyer screaming for it in space on the left but never found. England eventually nick breakdown ball - but not before straying offside.

Wales 3-6 England, 23 minutes

17:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales punt to the fringes of England’s 22.

Wales 3-6 England, 21 minutes

17:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales get their scrum engagmeent spot on this time, starting to put the pressure on as Gareth Davies extracts. Christ Tshiunza flicks deftly for a teammate, shifting the point of attack at the line, but Leigh Halfpenny is a sitting duck for two England tacklers as Wales try to play out the back.

An English infringement draws the outstretched arm of advantage. Nic Berry soon whistles for the penalty as a Sam Costelow chip comes to nothing.

Wales 3-6 England, 20 minutes

17:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Joe Cokanasiga then makes a hash of his aerial effort, under limited pressure but letting Sam Costelow’s high hoist slip through his fingers. Not the tidiest of starts from England’s wing behemoth.

Wales 3-6 England, 19 minutes

17:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ellis Genge and Corey Domachowski meet meatily on the left edge of the Welsh defence, loosehead into loosehead. A score draw.

Engalnd kick but the Welsh backfield is appropriately resourced.

PENALTY! WALES 3-6 England (Leigh Halfpenny penalty, 17 minutes)

17:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales are up and running. Leigh Halfpenny bisects them from just left of centre.

Wales 0-6 England, 16 minutes

17:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Better from Wales, with Sam Costelow attacking the line and causing issues! Costelow frees Elliot Dee, who is rather biffed into by Ellis Genge making a vital cover tackle.

England have been pushing the offside line throughout this opening quarter and stray past it a couple of phases later. Leigh Halfpenny removes his scrum cap as the tee is trotted out.

Wales 0-6 England, 15 minutes

17:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

David Ribbans almost takes a tumble as Rio Dyer brushes the lock’s legs as Ellis Genge hoists him aloft to claim the latest Welsh restart, the wing doing well to withdraw and avoid a more serious incident. England clear up towards halfway with Max Malins contesting but unable to win back clean possession.

PENALTY! Wales 0-6 ENGLAND (Marcus Smith penalty, 14 minutes)

17:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Safely popped through. England double their advantage.

Wales 0-3 England, 12 minutes

17:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And it is Wales again prompting the referee’s whistle, Nic Berry clearly not keen for any messing around on engagement. This should be three more for Marcus Smith.

Wales 0-3 England, 11 minutes

17:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s pod of carriers get themselves in a muddle, though, another fumble in advanced territory ending what looked a promising period inside the Wales 22. Back down for another bit of scrum-time heave-ho.

Wales 0-3 England, 10 minutes

17:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first look at Tom Pearson on the rumble, the ball popping into his hands from Joe Cokanasiga’s loose carry. The big back rower, so impressive for London Irish last year, makes metres up the middle.

Patience from England, working the phases inside the Wales 22.

Wales 0-3 England, 9 minutes

17:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Good again from Lewis Ludlam on kick receipt, bashing past a Welshman. Danny Care’s clearance is flighted slightly too close to the touchline but Max Malins manages to paw it back infield.

Malins’s pat went forward, giving Wales advantage with which to explore. Domachowski carries firmly buyt Joe Marchant catches Leigh Halfpenny behind the gainline and Wales are pinged at the resulting breakdown. Sharp defence from Marchant, battling for one of those final few places in England’s World Cup squad.

PENALTY! Wales 0-3 ENGLAND (Marcus Smith penalty, 8 minutes)

17:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Straight and true. England on the board first via their fly-half’s right boot.

Wales 0-0 England, 7 minutes

17:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Down goes the scrum...England penalty! Nic Berry has a chat with new man Dee but it looks like it was Corey Domachowski picked up for going straight to floor. Marcus Smith will go for goal from just short of halfway...

Wales 0-0 England, 6 minutes

17:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oh no. Ryan Elias’s calf is still bothering him, and it looks like this is it for his participation this evening.

Yep, here comes Elliot Dee from the bench - another hooking worry for Wales having already lost Ken Owens this summer. Fingers crossed it’s only a minor tweak.

Wales 0-0 England, 5 minutes

17:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sharp hands on the right put Max Malins into space, but another untimely handling error ends England’s chances ten metres out.

Marcus Smith shimmies free of a couple of would-be tacklers to get back to the Wales ten-metre line after a clearance, but Guy Porter shells a simple pass. England inaccurate so far, but showing some early threat in attack.

Wales 0-0 England, 4 minutes

17:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A couple of inevitable resets, Nic Berry giving his demands to the new Welsh prop pair and their England counterparts. Stable at the third attempt, with Gareth Davies waiting to feed and then passing from the base to let Sam Costelow clear.

A half-break from Freddie Steward! Lively counter-attacking from the England full-back and the visitors are back towards the 22.

Wales 0-0 England, 3 minutes

17:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first chacne for an England attack and a first sighting of big Joe Cokanasiga, bashing into the Welsh midfield defence off his wing. George Martin follows up around the corner, but his handling is imprecise and a fumble on the floor means Wales will have a scrum.

Wales 0-0 England, 2 minutes

17:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A Welsh blocking line draws the first blast of Nic Berry’s whistle, a retreating player penalised after Danny Care had box kicked again. Ryan Elias receives a bit of treatment on what looks like a sore hamstring as Marcus Smith punts for touch inside the Welsh 22.

Wales 0-0 England, 1 minute

17:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A clean take from Lewis Ludlam, and a bright first carry, too, wriggling free from the first defender. Straight to the air from England, Danny Care hoisting high and letting Leigh Halfpenny do what he does best on cap number 100.

Wales reply in kind, Sam Costelow sending up a high bomb, which is safely defused.

Kick off!

17:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here we go then, Wales to get things underway. Sam Costelow takes the ball from the mascot, ready for action on his first Welsh start. England wait to receive, Tom Pearson up in the front line on debut next to Max Malins.

A peep of the whistle, a boot to the ball - Wales vs England has begun!

Wales vs England: Match officials

17:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Referee: Nic Berry (Aus)

ARs: Mike Adamson (Sco) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)

TMO: Joy Neville (Ire)

Wales vs England

17:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A few English visitors from across the bridge make themselves known during “God Save the King”, full of throat as they sing the anthem.

“Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” is powerfully backed by those in the red corner, the Principality not quite at capacity but any rendition of the anthem stirring under this grand old amphitheatre’s roof.

Wales vs England

17:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ahead of kick off, a moment of commemoration for the great Clive Rowlands, who sadly passed away this week.

Former Wales captain and coach Clive Rowlands dies aged 85

Wales vs England

17:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And the crowd rises to salute Leigh Halfpenny, leading out Wales on the occasion of his 100th cap. A great servant for so long to Welsh rugby - does he have one more tournament left in him?

Here come the rest of them out of the flames, smoke twisting in the air, England all in white, Wales in their red anthem jackets and white shorts beneath.

Wales vs England

17:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Principality Stadium isn’t quite full to the rafters today, though Cardiff is still busy, with plenty in town for the Tom Jones concert at the castle a little later. I reckon we might get up to about 60,000 here.

Wales vs England

17:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales vs England

17:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Former Wales back row Josh Navidi is in charge of the pre-match entertainment, spinning away on the DJ decks and getting the crowd jumping as the two teams head back to the dressing rooms.

Wales vs England

17:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So what progress have these two made over this summer of sweat? There’s every chacne that both teams are a little scratchy this evening, with neither particularly close to full strength and this a first hit-out of the summer, but the slightly lower stakes of these pre-World Cup fixtures can sometimes imbue sides with a bit more ambition.

Wales vs England

17:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The choir are warbling away as the teams go about their warm-ups, noise bouncing back down off the Principality Stadium roof, very much shut with Storm Antoni beginning to intensify.

Warren Gatland hails Leigh Halfpenny’s professionalism ahead of 100th Wales cap

17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales boss Warren Gatland has hailed Leigh Halfpenny as “the ultimate professional” ahead of him joining rugby union’s 100-cap club.

Halfpenny will reach three figures for Wales in Saturday’s opening World Cup warm-up game against England at the Principality Stadium.

Only eight other Wales players have clocked up a century of caps, with Halfpenny just the fifth back after Stephen Jones, Gareth Thomas, George North and Dan Biggar.

He made his Wales debut as a teenager against South Africa 15 years ago, while he has had to overcome a number of injury setbacks that meant lengthy absences from the game.

“If you are talking about role models as a professional, you could not get a harder worker than Leigh Halfpenny in terms of how he prepares,” Gatland said.

Warren Gatland hails Leigh Halfpenny’s professionalism ahead of 100th Wales cap

A mighty midfield

16:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This World Cup might just come too soon for Wales fly-half Sam Costelow, making his first start this afternoon and potentially the man to guide Gatland’s side through the next World Cup cycle. Costelow has been highly touted since his time as a Tiger cub in Leicester’s academy, helping the club to back-to-back Under-18 titles in a side that also contained three of today’s England squad members – Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet and Geeorge Martin. Handy.

Costelow isn’t the biggest, which probably makes having a couple of sizeable centres alongside him sensible. Max Llewellyn obviously catches the eye as a pure physical specimen but is a better footballer than you might assume, and should enjoy learning under Mark Atkinson at Gloucester for the next couple of years. George North should be a useful foil for him on debut, too - England have two natural thirteens combining in the centres today and Wales might well try to prey on Guy Porter and Joe Marchant defensively.

Back row battle royale

16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It feels a particularly important evening for Alex Dombrandt, thought to perhaps be on the outside looking in as things stand in a highly competitive battle for the final couple of back row spots in Steve Borthwick’s squad. Provided Tom Curry’s ankle twist is only minor, he joins Jack Willis and a fit-again Billy Vunipola as selection locks, with vice captain Courtney Lawes also a certainty.

If Lawes is viewed as a blindside only – as, it is thought, the player himself would prefer – that means Borthwick pretty much has to take four locks, which likely leaves only two back row places left to be won. Lewis Ludlam might have the inside track on one of them: the Northampton man is well liked for his ability to cover both flanks and number eight, and could be a candidate to captain a rotated England side in the third pool game against Chile.

Which would then leave all of Tom Pearson, Ben Earl, Alex Dombrandt and Tom Willis vying for a single place. Vunipola’s recent fitness issues perhaps suggests that taking a specialist number eight as back-up might be wise, which will count in Dombrandt and Willis’s favour.

There is a sense that we haven’t yet seen the best of Dombrandt in an England shirt, and he might need to find his best performance yet to force his way in. There is plenty to like about Willis, who will make an England debut after half-a-season punching holes for Bordeaux after the demise of Wasps. He probably profiles most similarly to Vunipola in terms of close-in carrying efficiency.

Can England’s Harlequins translate club to country?

16:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This looks a bit of a hodge-podge England side, plenty in there still pressing for a place in the squad and a handful already inked in. Until Thursday, it appeared that Marcus Smith might fall more in the former camp than the latter, but Steve Borthwick’s suggestion that he feels he needs three specialist tens in France has all but secured Smith a spot.

Still, with Owen Farrell cemented in the starting side as skipper and George Ford a Borthwick favourite at Leicester, Smith probably needs to shine today to have a hope of climbing the fly-half pecking order. His last outing in an England shirt was the record defeat to France, of course, an overrun pack in front of him providing the playmaker little clean ball to work with.

Things look better set up for Smith today, with a few friendly faces around him to help him along. Harlequins’ success over the last few seasons has been built on the intuitive attacking understanding Smith has with Alex Dombrandt, Danny Care and Joe Marchant and co., and while the greater defensive intensity of international rugby is likely to test their decision making, I’m intrigued to see if the quartet can transplant their interplay onto this mix-and-match England side.

Captain Morgan

16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Warren Gatland has suggested that he might well try out two more captains before he names his World Cup side on Monday 21 August, the head coach wanting to assess his options before he chooses a replacement for Ken Owens. But the installation of Jac Morgan as skipper for this first game hints at his standing within the Welsh squad, and this feels like the sort of occasion where a big showing from the flanker could earn him a place in the leadership mix moving forward.

First things first for Morgan, though, will be securing a spot on the openside: I think it is unlikely that Gatland opts for both him and Tommy Reffell in the same starting side come the World Cup, with the relative lack of punch power in the Welsh tight five likely leaving the head coach needing to favour a bigger back row. Reffell, you would assume, is a likely starter next week at Twickenham – as a pure fetcher, there are few better than the Leicester man but in terms of overall output, Morgan might just have the edge.

Team News – England

16:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A handful of fresh faces in the English side, too, with this their final audition before Steve Borthwick names his World Cup squad on Monday. Tom Pearson gets a start on debut after tearing up trees last season with London Irish, while fellow back row debutant Tom Willis should get an opportunity to press for inclusion off the bench.

Theo Dan completes the list of first cappers, the hooker a lively carrier and well liked by the England coaches, while George Martin has had to bide his time for a second appearance after a debut in Dublin two years ago – the Leicester thumper could offer a real point of difference with his physicality.

Borthwick this week suggested that Marcus Smith was a likely traveller, placing more of the backline focus on the performances of Guy Porter, Joe Marchant and Joe Cokanasiga – as things stand, it’s possible that none of the trio make the World Cup cut but could change the head coach’s mind with a standout showing.

England XV: Ellis Genge (capt.), Jamie Blamire, Will Stuart; David Ribbans, George Martin; Lewis Ludlam, Tom Pearson, Alex Dombrandt; Danny Care, Marcus Smith; Joe Cokanasiga, Guy Porter, Joe Marchant, Max Malins; Freddie Steward.

Replacements: Theo Dan, Bevan Rodd, Kyle Sinckler, Jonny Hill, Tom Willis; Jack van Poortvliet, George Ford, Henry Slade.

Team News - Wales

16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Welsh side has a slightly experimental look, with a smattering of debutants in the 23 as Warren Gatland looks to find out more against a squad made all the more inexperienced by the high-profile withdrawals earlier in the summer. Starting rops Corey Domachowski and Keiron Assiratti both win first Wales caps, while Henry Thomas, who won the last of his seven England caps in 2014, provides tighthead back-up.

Gloucester-bound centre Max Llewellyn partners George North in a super-sized midfield, while Kiwi convert Taine Plumtree is the fifth potential debutant in the 23, the back row having been uber impressive since coming into camp in June. Leigh Halfpenny becomes Wales’ ninth centurion, bringing up cap number 100 at full back

Wales XV: Corey Domachowski, Ryan Elias, Keiron Assiratti; Dafydd Jenkins, Will Rowlands; Christ Tshiunza, Jac Morgan (capt.), Aaron Wainwright; Gareth Davies, Sam Costelow; Rio Dyer, Max Llewellyn, George North, Louis Rees-Zammit; Leigh Halfpenny.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith, Henry Thomas, Ben Carter, Taine Plumtree; Tomos Williams, Dan Biggar, Mason Grady.

Wales vs England

16:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A very good afternoon and welcome to a slightly wet, slightly wild Cardiff, where Wales and England are just about ready to step up their preparations for the World Cup. It’s audition time for much of the rugby playing world, with 20 cast lists of 33 to be named over the next few weeks ahead of the tournament start on 8 September.

England and Wales ready for pre-World Cup battle with ‘an elephant in the room’

It’s a good step forward – Freddie Steward welcomes ‘Bunker’ review system

16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Freddie Steward has welcomed the introduction of the ‘Bunker’ review system after enlisting the help of a psychologist to move on from the controversial red card he received against Ireland in March.

England’s full-back was sent off at the Aviva Stadium for making a dangerous tackle on Hugo Keenan but a hugely contentious decision was subsequently overturned by a disciplinary hearing.

World Rugby has since trialled a procedure designed to help referees make the right call that will be in place throughout the Summer Nations Series, which will see England face Wales in Cardiff in their opening match on Saturday.

The Bunker enables a foul play official to review yellow cards at the request of the referee, with the scope to upgrade them to a red if warranted by the offence.

Any incident will be analysed while the match continues and the player is in the sin-bin, thereby preventing the type of lengthy delays witnessed when Jaco Peyper deliberated over Steward’s red card.

“It’s a good step forward. Games are significantly affected because when it’s 15 v 14 it’s a different game,” Steward said.

“If the right decision is made or the wrong decision is made, it gives an opportunity to correct that which is good for the game.”

It’s a good step forward – Freddie Steward welcomes ‘Bunker’ review system

England hoping Tom Curry will feature in World Cup build-up despite ankle issue

16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England are confident that Tom Curry will play a role in their build-up to the World Cup as he recovers from a twisted ankle.

Curry sustained the injury in training this week and will be sidelined for up to a fortnight, potentially ruling him out of the opening two matches of the Summer Nations Series which begins against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

The Sale flanker is a certainty to be picked in Steve Borthwick’s World Cup squad when it is announced on Monday, but England will take no risks with the fitness of one of their most influential players.

England hoping Tom Curry will feature in World Cup build-up despite ankle issue

Warren Gatland vows struggling Wales will do ‘something special’ at World Cup

16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Warren Gatland has backed Wales to do “something pretty special” at the World Cup in France.

Wales face England in their opening tournament warm-up game on Saturday after winning just two of the last 10 Tests.

A miserable Six Nations campaign produced a fifth-placed finish, while player contracts, financial issues throughout Welsh professional rugby and the threat of a players’ strike significantly compounded matters.

Wales have also dropped to ninth in World Rugby’s official rankings and seen talismanic figures like Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb all retire from international rugby since the end of last season.

Head coach Gatland, though, has delivered an upbeat message ahead of Wales’ preparation games against England home and away, plus South Africa, before a tough World Cup opener against Fiji in Bordeaux on September 10.

Asked if he relished Wales being written off, Gatland said: “Yeah. Continue to do it because it’s only going to make us stronger.

“I am really excited. I’m telling you this team will do something pretty special.”

Warren Gatland vows struggling Wales will do ‘something special’ at World Cup

Wales vs England live stream: How to watch Rugby World Cup warm-up on TV

15:32 , Luke Baker

England’s players face a last chance to impress before Steve Borthwick names his World Cup squad as they travel to Cardiff to take on Wales.

The England head coach will name his final selection of 33 players for the tournament on Monday.

Wales, meanwhile, have another couple of weeks before their squad is announced, but a number of those on the fringes of the squad will be hoping to stake their claim for a spot.

Warren Gatland’s side were beaten by their visitors at the Principality Stadium during the Six Nations.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Wales vs England live stream: How to watch Rugby World Cup warm-up on TV

Wales vs England - Rugby World Cup warm-up

Friday 4 August 2023 16:39 , Luke Baker

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Rugby World Cup warm-up clash in Cardiff between Wales and England.

With the naming of squads for next month’s tournament edging ever closer, players on both sides will be desperate to impress their head coaches and book a spot on the plane to France.

Stick with us for full live coverage of the contest.