Six Nations - Wales v England Preview

One of the reasons why we all love the Six Nations Championship is the intensity of the rivalries between nations and when it comes to levels of intensity then I believe that the rivalry between England and Wales is the strongest of the lot. The fierce competition between supporters off the field and the quality of the players on it makes for scintillating Test weeks and ones that are unique within the Six Nations mix. 

A key challenge for England this week has been to acknowledge the ‘circus’ that surrounds this fixture in Cardiff without letting it de-rail them. What was made very clear by Dylan Hartley and Eddie Jones on Thursday afternoon was that their team are extremely well prepared for what lies ahead of them. They are fully aware that once they cross the Seven Bridge there are plenty of things that are outside of their control and one of the keys to a successful outing will be the management of these factors. The more experienced players in England's ranks have shared their knowledge with those that haven't played in Cardiff before and ample discussions have taken place regarding scenarios for any 'shenanigans' that may arrive, as Eddie Jones referred to them. In short England's management and players have sent a clear message out which is along the lines of 'do your worst, we don't care'.

In terms of the rugby then Eddie Jones' squad are expected to raise their game considerably following their off-colour outing at Twickenham Stadium. While France did make their own presence felt England weren't quite on the money but pleasingly delivered the result regardless. The resilience that they showed, to deliver such a ugly victory, is a sing of the team maturing and Saturday afternoon will be another test of that edge and steel.  Wales built nicely into their game against Italy and we all know that on home soil, against England, they raise their game by a good another percent or two. 

Selection wise the focus is on England's inexperienced back row unit and the introduction of Jack Clifford as one of Eddie Jones' starters. As a collective the trio have 110 caps fewer than their opposite numbers combined and their every move will be under the spotlight. Jack Clifford has been selected to provide additional pace and his head coach is confident that he's served his apprenticeship well and is ready for the occasion. Stating the very obvious, it's a tough ask to make only your second international cap against Wales in Cardiff but we all know that if it isn't working Eddie Jones won't hesitate to change things about. Needles to say it's sink for swim for Jack Clifford and I hope that he takes this opportunity and thrives. 

Looking at little broader at England then their pack need to really assert themselves around the park. Against France the scrum functioned well and bar a few line-out mishaps that area of the game was solid too but physically they lacked a little oomph. Physicality at the gain line and making that area their own will be vital to make up for the missing Vunipola brothers and from there that provides the platform for George Ford to be at his creative best and those around him to thrive. Jack Nowell's introduction is for his work rate - rightly Eddie Jones believes there won't be much space on the outside of Wales' defence so the Exeter Chief is there to come off his wing and make things happen. 

A trip to Cardiff is a test for any side and this weekend I believe that we will see a highly focused and well prepared England squad showing what they’re made of. Individuals have points to prove and as a whole they’re itching to get out there and remind everyone what they're capable of. In his own, no nonsense manner, Eddie Jones highlighted that they’re ‘bloody excited about playing there’ and I think that we all feel the same about watching this Test match.

Personally I believe that this RBS Six Nations encounter will be decided over the course of the full 80 minutes and not be a match that is done and dusted with 20 to go. England’s bench is packed with experience and I am of the opinion that they will have a very large role to play when it comes to deciding the outcome of the game. In summary this Round 2 fixture has all of the ingredients to be one of the Test matches of the Championship and I for one can't wait to see how it pans out!

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Scott Williams, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 1, Rob Evans, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Tomas Francis, 4 Jake Ball, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 6 Sam Warburton, 7 Justin Tipuric, 8 Ross Moriarty. Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Samson Lee, 19 Cory Hill, 20 Taulupe Faletau, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Sam Davies, 23 Jamie Roberts

England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 1 Joe Marler, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 3 Dan Cole, 4 Joe Launcbury, 5 Courtney Lawes, 6 Maro Itoje, 7 Jack Clifford, 8 Nathan Hughes Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Matt Mullan, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Tom Wood, 20 James Haskell, 21 Danny Care, 22 Ben Te’o, 23 Jonny May