Six Nations: 'We outclassed England,' says Welsh coach Rob Howley

England's coach, Stuart Lancaster, had aired the suggestion during the build-up that this match might be a stepping stone for his young team towards the World Cup they will host in 2015. But that was just a straw to clutch at last night as Wales revelled in a record-winning margin over the old enemy.

The Welsh had won the title with a Grand Slam 12 months ago but their interim head coach, Rob Howley, said: "This was better. We outclassed England, showed great fortitude and discipline and were outstanding."

Lancaster refused to accept his team had been overawed as Wales beat their 25-0 win over England in 1905. "It wasn't psychological," said Lancaster. "Rugby is a game of physicality and Wales's was better than ours, we have no complaints. The third quarter just wasn't good enough from us."

Try-scorer Alex Cuthbert said: "The feeling is indescribable. We have such a great group of guys, we fully deserved it. You couldn't ask for anything better."

With the British & Ireland Lions squad to be named in six weeks' time, Wales's 2012 Slam captain, Sam Warburton, is now 2-1 favourite to lead the tour.