The defending RBS 6 Nations champions destroyed the red rose brigade with Blues winger Alex Cuthbert stunning England with lethal finishing to cross for two second half tries in a full throttle contest.
Rob Howley’s men equalled the record margin of defeat against their arch enemy as England were left devastated and distraught after still being in the contest at the break where they trailed narrowly 9-3.
Man of the match Justin Tipuric showed all of his Sevens skills in the lead up to both tries to be an instrumental figure in dismantling England’s chariot.
Both teams met under the roof of a packed Millennium Stadium with serious ambitions of claiming the championship trophy. England were seeking their first Grand Slam in 10 years after running through and over their previous opponents en route to Cardiff.
Wales have had to overcome a disappointing defeat to Ireland in the first week and shaky wins over Italy and Scotland were consigned to memory as Rob Howley’s men delivered a second half fashioned on the highway to heaven.
Toby Faletau and fellow back row colleagues Tipuric and Sam Warburton were immense throughout while Mike Phillips was once again at his destructive best.
Halfpenny landed two penalties in the first half before England fly half Owen Farrell responded with a 19th minute success. But the England sharp shooter was astray with two further kicks as Halfpenny edged his side in front with a third penalty.
With Halfpenny knocking over his fourth penalty England could see the Grand Slam slipping through their fingers. Stuart Lancaster turned to his bench, with Mako Vunipola, Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes all introduced to the red hot cauldron.
England applied the blow torch but speedster Cuthbert sent the home fans in orbit with a stunning try. Replacement hooker Ken Owens made a nuisance of himself at the breakdown. The loose ball was snapped up by Tipuric who whipped the ball to Phillips. The ball went along the chain to Jonathan Davies who passed the ball to Cuthbert.
The Blues winger turned on the after burners and despite opposite number Mike Brown looking to have the angle on him, Cuthbert eluded Brown and sped down the touchline to finish superbly in the corner. For once the impeccable Halfpenny was unable to add the extras but Rob Howley’s men had put clear daylight between the two teams for the first time of the match.
Bigger added a snap drop goal before Cuthbert finished off England after Tipuric’s sublime skills came to the fore again on an electric 50m run before offloading a sublime pass to the Blues flier.
The Ospreys fly half sealed the win with a penalty to seal an emphatic victory for Wales who were able to retain the crown with ease for the first time since 1979.
