WALES lost their Six Nations opener at the Millennium Stadium this evening with England taking the spoils 26-19 for their first win in Cardiff since 2003.

Martin Johnson's side proved to be too powerful for the hosts despite wasted a number of gilt-edged chances.

Wales missed a pair of early penalties and paid the price when England made the most of their first forays into enemy territory.

Fly-half Toby Flood put winger Chris Ashton under the sticks and added the conversion and a penalty to make it 10-0.

Wales number 10 Stephen Jones responded with three-pointer of his own and the hosts had the chance to put the pressure on when England lock Louis Deacon was yellow-carded for killing the ball in front of his posts.

Jones kicked his second penalty but the visitors struck straight back through the right boot of Toby Flood and the teams went into the break with the direct visitors – who were more clincal - leading 13-6.

Jones narrowed the gap early in the second half but the boot was on the other foot early in the second half when Wales prop Craig Mitchell was yellow-carded. The English weren't as charitable.

Flood kicked the resulting penalty and Ashton went over for his second try to make it 23-9.

All seemed lost for Warren Gatland's men but when they were back to 15 men they crossed for their only try, Morgan Stoddart going over down the right after a break by centre Jon Davies.

The crowd were braced for late drama when James Hook kicked a penalty to make it 23-19 but, after some brave Welsh defence on the try line, replacement fly-half Jonny Wilkinson replied in kind and the English safely negotiated the final few minutes.

See Saturday's Argus for a full report and pictures.