England have piled on the misery for Wales with a 20-10 victory that left the beleaguered hosts nursing a third straight loss to open the Six Nations.
The Welsh haven't made this poor a start to the championship in 20 years and it continues a tempestuous campaign for the proud rugby nation, after a pre-Six Nations racism and bullying scandal and a contract dispute which dominated the build-up.
Catch every game of the Six Nations LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
"We spoke about the emotion of the last two weeks. We gave massive effort for 80 minutes," Wales captain Ken Owens said.
"We were right in the game throughout. We probably left a couple of opportunities out there but I can't question the effort of this squad."
Saturday's match between teams well off the title pace never really caught fire in front of the Prince and Princess of Wales, with England always having the measure of a game but limited Wales side at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Anthony Watson, on his first England start for two years, went over for the only try of the first half, and prop Kyle Sinckler and centre Ollie Lawrence added more after halftime.
Wales' sole try came from an intercept on halfway, with winger Louis Rees-Zammit motoring clear for the score.
Warren Gatland's team were in touching distance of the visitors only because of a rare bad day off the kicking tee by England captain Owen Farrell. He had just two successful efforts from six.
"There's bits starting to show," Farrell said, "but we're laying some foundations at the minute. We want to keep building on it all.
"It was a different challenge for us to come away from home to a place like this, a team that has had a lot going on during the week and have unified to come together for this crowd at the weekend. Fair play to them."
For England coach Steve Borthwick, it's two wins from three to start his tenure as his team continued to rely on big defence, a solid kick-and-chase game and a strong set-piece — the country's traditional strengths.
But France, at home, and Ireland away make for the toughest possible finish to the Six Nations for the English.
Wales, meanwhile, will simply look to avoid a first wooden spoon since 2003 when Gatland's fellow New Zealander, Steve Hansen, was at the helm.
That could be determined in round four when Wales travel to Rome to play Italy, who have also opened with three straight losses.
