A penalty by George Ford in the 71st minute clinched the deal and denied Wales a first Six Nations win in Engeland since 2012. 

New captain Jamie George told the BBC that even though England’s performance was underwhelming, claiming victory was a huge step.

"The result was massively important," George said.  "I thought we were physically in control of the game.  "Wales' attack was good but I felt comfortable in our ability to keep going and put them under pressure,” he added.

England fielded an unchanged starting side following last week's narrow 27-24 win away to Italy, but Wales made seven changes after almost winning against Scotland last weekend.

In Saturday’s other Six Nations match, France just managed a win against Scotland, beating the hosts 20 -16 at Murrayfield.  

This followed a lengthy and controversial TMO call which denied the home side a try in the dying minutes of the game. Scotland thought they had it in the bag, but the video referee could not find conclusive proof to overturn referee Nic Berry’s on-field call of “no try” a charge for the line by Rory Darge.

Ireland and Italy will face each other in the final Six Nations match the weekend.  Kick-off at the Aviva Stadium will be at 17:00.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger