England v Wales Preview

'It’s a proper test match it’s fourth versus fifth in the World and there are ranking points available. Warren Gatland doesn’t like to lose to England and England don’t like to lose to Wales.’

In two sentences Eddie Jones has it the nail on the head, this test match may be extremely inconveniently timed for the head coach but it does represent an opportunity. It's a chance for the Australian to ‘grow the depth of the squad’ and for a number of the players that he's selected it gives them a showcase to prove to him that they can deliver at test level. 

The task of facing a largely full strength Welsh side, and one that will still be smarting from their opening 60-minutes in the RBS 6 Nations, isn’t for the feint hearted. In all areas Eddie Jones must see his players step up and deliver if they are to gain the result that he demands from them. 

If all of his players come out of the Aviva Premiership fully fit and in the right psychological state then Eddie Jones has said that he knows his starting side for the test in Brisbane, and you'd expect him to. However, that doesn’t mean that the performances of those taking to the field on Sunday count for nothing. As we all know nothing ever stays constant in professional sport for too long and the opportunity to show your worth against a full strength Welsh side will go a long way towards boosting current and future prospects. 

As the senior player Haskell will
want to lead England's
back row from the front

When you glance at the two test sides and think about the key elements of Sunday’s test match then it’s clear that England’s back row have to nail their output. Moriarty, Lydiate and Faletau are a big handful and England's trio will have their work cut out. Between them Harrison, Haskell and Clifford have to deliver the gain line breaks and carries that Billy Vunipola provided England with during the RBS 6 Nations. Billy is a one man wrecking ball and however they do it the trio must provide front foot ball that England need to thrive. We also need to see Dan Lydiate's breakdown prowess contained, potentially something that Jack Clifford makes his priority as Eddie Jones says that he sees him as a seven in the future and of course the work rate and defensive work of all three will be paramount with Wales' threats on the field. 

When you read the names in England’s back line, Brown, Watson, Joseph, Burrell, Yarde, Ford and Youngs the first thing that springs to mind is that every single individual will have a huge desire to prove themselves. Each one has either received plenty of external criticism regarding their personal output, has another individual snapping at their heels for their jersey or know that there’s a place on the plane to Australia that could have their name on it. 

Yarde's last England test
vs. Baa Baas May-15

Marland Yarde cannot have escaped the barrage of noise that surrounded his inclusion in the touring squad and for his own confidence as much as to shut everyone else up he needs a colossal game. Those that remember the Harlequin at his very best will know that he can do it, but he has to show that today. Ben Youngs and George Ford work very well together and in spite of having had to deal with a huge amount recently I expect the latter to really up his game this afternoon and provide that flat to the line approach which England can fly off. Luther Burrell is physically fit and knows the opportunity that’s in front of him and in all honesty I doubt that he'll let it pass by given what's happened to him over the past year. Finally Jonathan Joseph won’t have escaped the presence of Elliot Daly on the bench and his quieter form this season must be turned around this summer starting today. In short Eddie Jones wants to see his side's attacking game press and with 20 degree heat and a spot of sunshine there won't be any excuses today, this is the backs' time to shine. 

All in all test match is all about Eddie Jones’ squad stepping up and being counted for. This time Wales won't underestimate England like they did during the 6 Nations because Warren Gatland's squad understand that this is a new England under Eddie Jones and one that has a bit of egde to it. However our neighours are favourites, how could they not be with a full strength side?  

England have to start strongly, they have to play like a seasoned test side from minute one and if every single member of England's 23 seize the opportunity and play like the players that we know they are then the home side will ignite Twickenham and ensure that they prepare for Australia in the right way. 

England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Luther Burrell, 11 Marland Yarde, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 1 Matt Mullan, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 3 Dan Cole, 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 Courtney Lawes, 6 Teimana Harrison, 7 James Haskell, 8 Jack Clifford  Replacements: 16 Tommy Taylor, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Paul Hill, 19 Dave Attwood, 20 Matt Kvesic, 21 Danny Care, 22 Ollie Devoto, 23 Elliot Daly

Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 George North, 13 Scott Williams, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Hallam Amos, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 1 Rob Evans, 2 Scott Baldwin, 3 Samson Lee, 4 Jake Ball, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 6 Ross Moriarty, 7 Dan Lydiate (c), 8 Taulupe Faletau Replacements: 16 Kristian Dacey, 17 Gethin Jenkins, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Josh Turnbull, 20 James King, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Gareth Anscombe