Wales stun England in Twickenham thriller at Rugby World Cup

England celebrate their stunning victory over England ©Getty Images

Wales produced a sensational performance in the toughest of circumstances to overcome a 10-point deficit to stun hosts England 28-25 at Twickenham in the most eagerly anticipated match of the Rugby World Cup so far.

With key players such as Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb injured, Wales always seemed underdogs, and after early blows were exchanged in a frenetic opening period, England appeared stronger both in the set pieces and in open play.

After a penalty and drop goal from Owen Farrell, surprisingly recalled to the side in place of George Ford, the men in white engineered a superb move, completed in the corner by winger Jonny May after fine work by scrum half Ben Youngs.

England kept up the momentum as Farrell and opposite number Dan Biggar exchanged penalties, with the home side moving 19-9 and then 22-12 ahead.

But the men in red refused to give in, and despite both Scott and Liam Williams being stretchered and off and Hallam Amos also departing injured, they gradually grew in stature and momentum in a remarkable show of backs-to-the-wall survival.

Gareth Davies scored the decisive try for Wales in their sensational victory ©Getty Images

After two more penalties from Biggar brought his team within four points, Farrell replied with another successful kick of his own.

But then came the key point as a perfectly timed kick infield was collected superbly by Gareth Davies to roll over the line for a decisive try.

A successful conversion and then a brilliant kick from the halfway line by Biggar put Wales ahead and then, when England chose to brazenly kick from the corner instead of the posts when awarded a penalty at the death, Wales hung on for a famous victory again their oldest enemy.

England are now left needing to beat Australia and Uruguay to qualify from Group A, while Wales are on the cusp of the quarter-finals despite facing a ever-escalating injury list.

After an equally demoralising defeat of their own against Japan last week, South Africa enjoyed a confidence-boosting 46-6 win over Samoa to move top of Group B.