Wales vs. England: Winners and Losers from 2015 Six Nations Clash

England emerged as 21-16 victors against Wales on Friday, topping the Millennium Stadium clash to give themselves a head start in the race for this year's Six Nations trophy.

Stuart Lancaster's men restricted the hosts to a scoreless second half, coming back from 16-8 to defeat their fierce foes with tries from Anthony Watson and Jonathan Joseph.

It was a fixture largely filled with positives as far as England are concerned, but both teams will have their points both good and bad to consider.

Winner: England Display Title Potential with Table-Topping Performance

Michael Steele/Getty Images

It was always proposed that the winner of Friday's Cardiff meeting would move on to be considered a contender for the 2015 Six Nations trophy. Both Wales and England had huge prospects coming into the match.

But it was England who gained redemption for their 30-3 loss here two years ago and in the process, showed that, first and foremost, their threat on silverware is real this year.

Of course, England will always be considered to be in the mix for the title, but a strong start is essential in maintaining a leader's mentality, one of the happy byproducts of Friday's triumph.

Loser: Tunnel Stand-Off an Unnecessary Display of Pride

Before kick-off, there was a farcical period of waiting when England captain Chris Robshaw was eager to hang back for the Welsh team to emerge alongside his own.

Whether out of competition, the pursuit of equality or just plain pride, it was a dance that went on far too long. It's the Millennium Stadium, and you're England; things will always be hostile.

After all, will walking out slightly before one's opponents change your tactics or the quality of your preparation? Are players so weak-willed that this very delay offsets their confidence, and if that's the case, why are they in the squad?

At such an elite level of the sport, this awkward back-and-forth of "after you, sir" came across as all very immature. Hopefully, it isn't something that's seen every time rivals meet.

Winner: George Ford-Led Resurgence Suggests Mental Evolution Materialising

Michael Steele/Getty Images

Who needs Owen Farrell when George Ford is in his current swing of form? Just 21 years of age and already showing all the ability and humility of one far more advanced, he looks to have really settled into Lancaster's No. 10 groove.

Kicking 11 of England's 21 points and making all but one of his eight attempted tackles, Ford really should now be seen as the undisputed fly-half in England's lineup.

Even if Farrell were fit, some might argue Ford as the deserved successor, but a restrained and pragmatic outing against Wales showed he has an alluring consistency about his game, too.

Stopping Jamie Roberts is no easy task, but the youngster managed it on several occasions. Although he was one of those who took time to settle, he ultimately starred as the puppeteer supreme.

Loser: Set Piece Failings an Area of Improvement for Gatland

Wales were slightly fortunate to come away from a seventh-minute scrum with the ball in Taulupe Faletau's hands and eventually over the try line through Rhys Webb's intervention.

Just before the No. 8 picked, it was visible that Wales' scrum was crumbling under the pressure, and this wasn't exclusive to this occasion.

Per ESPN Scrum, Warren Gatland's side lost four of their 14 scrum put-ins and two of their eight line-out throws. It looked awkward for Richard Hibbard on occasion, either due to terrible communication or something else more concerning.

Samson Lee may take time to adjust to this standard, but the rest of the Welsh pack were all experienced stars, save for perhaps Jake Ball, who should in time gain his stripes.

Between the set piece lapses and those in open play, Gatland has his work cut out for him, but the former stuck out as particularly infuriating on Friday.

Winner: Jonathan Joseph Giving England Hope as Latest Midfield Bastion

Another year, another messiah to serve as the latest hope for England's midfield conundrum; the 2015 edition being Bath wonder Joseph.

Plaudits of the centre have been calling for his international promotion for some time now, and an incisive second-half try in Cardiff showed that perhaps he can be the long-term force fans are hoping for.

In the No. 13 jersey, Joseph was bullish yet restrained, succeeding in all seven of his tackle attempts and beating four defenders. His greatest moment, of course, being the shrugging of George North to cruise over the line.

However, hysteria need not settle in yet. This time last year, England was equally as hopeful of seeing Luther Burrell and Billy Twelvetrees as the partnership that would thrive, but faith isn't as strong 12 months on.

Joseph will, of course, need more tests, but the case is at least there to say he deserves retaining in the role and could come to excel, as opposed to falling at the first, difficult hurdle.