Arundell scores hat-trick as England pile misery on Wales

A remorseless England piled pain and points on Wales as they began their hunt for the Six Nations title with a 48-7 victory at Allianz Stadium. Wing Henry Arundell, making his first start for his country in more than two years, scored a first-half hat-trick as England put themselves out of sight before the break. Josh Adams was picked out by Dan Edwards’ precise punt for Wales’s solitary try five minutes after the restart, but, for the most part, the one-way traffic continued to steamroll the visitors.

Read more

Italy stun Scotland to kickstart Six Nations campaign

Pressure mounted on Gregor Townsend as Scotland suffered a disastrous Guinness Six Nations start by losing 18-15 to Italy in rain-lashed Rome as the hosts picked up steam before their trip to Dublin next weekend. The fired-up Azzurri raced into a 12-point lead within 14 minutes and the Scots – with back-three big-hitters Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe all dropped amid question marks over their form – were unable to get their attack firing in response, while their set-piece continually malfunctioned.

Read more

France maul Ireland to kick start Six Nations title defence

Ruthless France inflicted more pain on Ireland as the Six Nations holders opened their title defence with a bonus-point victory at a buoyant Stade de France. Having crushed Ireland’s title hopes in emphatic fashion in Dublin last year, Les Bleus – with returning captain Antoine Dupont pulling the strings – roared into a 22-0 half-time lead following a one-sided first half. Ireland improved in the second but were well and truly outclassed by Les Belus.

Read more

Man City cruise past Newcastle into Carabao Cup final

Manchester City booked a tantalising Carabao Cup final against Premier League leaders Arsenal by hammering holders Newcastle 5-1 on aggregate in a one-sided semi-final. Omar Marmoush scored twice early on before Tijjani Reijnders put the outcome beyond the doubt before the first half was through. Newcastle made a better fist of it after the interval, Anthony Elanga pulling one goal back, but the tie was a lost cause by then.

Read more

Havertz nets late winner as Arsenal dispatch Chelsea to reach final – Carabao Cup

Kai Havertz scored a stoppage-time winner as Arsenal beat Chelsea to secure their place in the Carabao Cup final for the first time in eight years. Arsenal came into this match with a 3-2 lead after the first leg and dominated the opening part of the match – but with Chelsea lining up with a back five, chances in the first hour of the game were hard to come by. Liam Rosenior brought on Estevao and Cole Palmer in an attempt to spark creativity as his side hunted a goal, but Arsenal were able to deal with the Chelsea attack.

Read more