A match to scramble the nerves and shakes out the sinuses. And a result that only whets the appetite for an epic year of rugby to come.

Not a bad way to spend your Friday night.

A free-flowing Scotland side, the ever-enigmatic French and an Ireland side high as kites on Schmidt-fuelled confidence? You won't want to miss Saturday either.

See you back here tomorrow for them all yeah? Deal.

Luke Boddice:, external Great result for England. However assisted by Wales having no plan B once again.

Gary:, external Wales just didn't come out in the second half.

Philip Okeden:, external Good effort England. Soaking up the pressure and giving it back five fold. Well done to the youngsters.

Jeremy Guscott
Former England centre on BBC One

"Chris Robshaw's stats are right up there. He leads by example. He's very composed in how he conducts interviews before the game and it's almost as if he says, 'give me the ball, I can carry it and takes full responsibility."

Image source, Getty Images

England captain Chris Robshaw speaking to BBC Sport: "Definitely a very different feel around the changing room tonight than two years ago.

"You look at those first 20 minutes and a lesser side could've crumbled. But, we came in at half-time, regrouped and lifted the intensity.

"I thought the guys defended brilliantly tonight and really took the challenge on.

"We were always confident in the guys who wore the shirt tonight. We went quietly about our business beforehand when lots of people were writing us off and I think we can be very satisfied with what we've done tonight."

Image source, PA

Wales coach Warren Gatland speaking to BBC Sport: "I think it was the third quarter that hurt us the most. It was a tough, tight Test match. You've got to give England credit.

"I thought we started well and looked comfortable at half-time. There's seven months to go to the World Cup. Even had we won today it wouldn't have meant a huge amount in regards to seven months time. We've lost the first game of the Six Nations and we have to get back on the horse."

Image source, Getty Images

Wales captain Sam Warburton speaking to BBC Sport: "We're very disappointed, it's not the start we wanted. There's four games to go - three of which are away. But you can't win a Championship by winning three games so every game has to be must-win now.

"The second half we struggled to get momentum and it seemed like England were on top for large parts of second half. You've got to give England credit."

Robert Jones
Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"George North wasn't in the game at all. He was poor. There was no spark from Wales and Jamie Roberts just couldn't get going."

Wales coach Warren Gatland has fronted up to the BBC television cameras and it sounds like he is stewing over his side's individual errors.

Rhys Webb gets name-checked for a botched box-kick while Richard Hibbard's throwing in at the line-out is also in his sights.

Full quotes to come...

Image source, PA

England's James Haskell to BBC Sport: "A lot of people make a big noise about the stadium. There was a bit of gamesmanship, but I couldn't stop smiling when they made us wait. You can either go into your shell or you can show a big of character.

"A couple of things didn't come off in the first half but we stuck to the game plan and it came off. There's a lot of talent in this group."

Jonathan Davies
Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"The two wingers didn't play well, there was no counter attack. We knew England would come and kick a lot but you didn't see any counter attack.

"If Wales don't penetrate the game line there is no alternative. We didn't go wide. The talk was George North and Jamie Roberts going down George Ford's channel but that was non-existent.

"I couldn't see how Wales were going to win with 20 minutes to go. They had no possession, they didn't carry the ball and England dominated field position. England bullied them in defence. "

Image source, Getty Images

England coach Stuart Lancaster speaking to BBC Sport: "I'm delighted. We put ourselves in a bit of a hole although we dug ourselves out. We dominated and left some points out there. Even at half-time I felt we were still in the game. We felt we had the edge on Wales in terms of fitness.

"The World Cup a long way off and there's a lot of time between now and then. But it's nice to be stood in this stadium listening to 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot'."

Stuart Lancaster does dour. He does measured. He does considered.

It is not often that the Yorkshireman does selfies and skipping for joy.

It is one of those evenings for the England coach though as he poses for a couple of snaps for fans before leaping to high five some more visiting supporters as he heads down the tunnel.

BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, EPA

England try-scorer Jonathan Joseph speaking to Alastair Eykyn: "It's incredible. No greater feeling to come here to Wales and win, probably one of our greatest rivals.

"But the boys dug deep and got the win we deserved.

"There's a lot of confidence in the side and we've got the belief we can attack and penetrate anyone.

"The first game in this championship is massive and to get off to a winning start is huge for us."

Image source, Getty Images

England's George Ford speaking to BBC Sport: "I just wanted to knock it over for the lads. The performance - especially by the pack - was outstanding. We felt comfortable in the first half but had a bit of poor start."

Sir Clive Woodward
Former England coach on BBC One

"England have been very composed. I cannot tell you how big a win that is for England at the start of 2015, and it was thoroughly deserved. George Ford played really well but there are a lot of heroes out there.

"England could have afforded to lose this game as they are going in the right direction but to win at Wales, and play so well, you can't put a price on that."

Where does this defeat leave Wales though?

For all their infamous fitness camps, Warren Gatland's side seem to have serious problems seeing out the business end of tight matches.

They have been repeatedly stung against the southern hemisphere big three and now England have come on strong along the home straight to win.

Brian Moore
Former England hooker on BBC One

"George Ford is my man of the match. He has marshalled two players outside him. I think he has shown remarkable maturity."

Matt Dawson
Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"I don't think Wales felt comfortable with all the razzmatazz tonight and the build-up and England stood up to the challenge on a night where neither side really knew what to expect from each other."

Jonathan Davies
Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"It's a big loss for Wales, they were totally outplayed. England's defence dominated their ball carriers. There was nothing for Wales. It's a big big win for England. There was no plan B for Wales as usual."

James Haskell jabs a victorious finger into night sky. He was a presence everywhere around the field and is now firmly in the World Cup frame.