Six Nations: England withstand Wales comeback to win 23-19 at Twickenham

England survived a threatening second-half comeback to record a fifth successive home Six Nations win over Wales in an untidy game at Twickenham.

Marcus Smith's boot built a 12-0 lead by the end of the first half before Alex Dombrandt went over.

Wales rallied as Josh Adams raced in and Nick Tompkins squirmed between white shirts to make it 17-12.

England scored a pair of penalties, but Kieran Hardy's try kept the contest in doubt until the final play.

Wales, 23-19 down, gamely took on the search for a game-snatching score with the clock in the red, but it proved a phase too far, an ending too far-fetched even for the history of this fixture.

Maro Itoje stole a turnover and Ben Youngs, off the bench to win an England men's record 115th cap, gleefully booted the ball into the stands.

It brought to an end a contest that played out in three acts: England dominance, Wales resistance, and the hosts finally prevailing with the game in the balance.

But neither side will have struck fear into France. Fabien Galthie's side swatted aside Scotland earlier in the day, playing with a fluency and flair that Wales and England, the sides that separate them from a clean sweep, fell far short of.

It will take a shock result, possibly two, to prevent them inheriting the Six Nations crown that is lost to Wales now.

Itoje's steal was a fitting final note.

The England second row had snaffled the ball from Smith's kick-off as England started at a clip and Wales, once again in this championship, were caught cold.

Scrum-half Harry Randall shuttled between breakdowns at break-neck speed as England probed and stretched deep in Wales' half.

Itoje clamped down over an isolated Alex Cuthbert to force a penalty. Ross Moriarty was off his feet for another. Smith