With this result, Wales became the fourth team to be placed number 1 in the World Rugby Rankings, ending New Zealand's 10-year run at the top dating back to 16 November 2009.
England failed to score in a first half for the first time since their 2011 World Cup quarter-final versus France.
Following George North's try, when Dan Biggar took a quick penalty before England's Ben Youngs had come on for Willi Heinz, World Rugby changed Law 3 so that play cannot restart until a player who has gone off due a blood or head injury has been temporarily replaced.
Russia played a Tier 1 nation outside a Rugby World Cup for the first time since their game against Italy in 2006. Russia most recently played a Tier 1 nation, Australia, during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Wesley Fofana was to start at inside centre for France but was ruled out through injury. Gaël Fickou moved to the inside while Sofiane Guitoune came in to the outside.
Nigel Owens was due to assistant referee in this match but was reassigned to referee the England v Ireland game in place of Jaco Peyper who withdrew from his officiating duties in that game due to a delayed flight. Andrew Brace replaced Owens on the touchline.[13]
England recorded their largest win over Ireland, surpassing the 40 point margin set in 1997. England's 57 points total was their highest score against Ireland, surpassing the 50 points scored in 2000.
Jaco Peyper was the appointed match referee but missed the game due to a delayed flight. Nigel Owens replaced him.[13]
This was the last home game for Rory Best, playing for Ireland.
This was Joe Schmidt's last home game in charge of Ireland.
With this win, Ireland became the fifth team to be placed number 1 on the World Rugby Rankings, replacing New Zealand who had briefly retaken top spot from Wales after Ireland's earlier win against Wales the previous week.[27]
