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Wales face fierce rivals England in the Six Nations at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
Here, we take a look at some of the main talking points as we approach a key tournament event this season.
Wales can take pole position in title race
Undefeated Wales, Grand Slam champions two years ago, will take a firm grip on this season’s tournament if they topple England. And that would represent an impressive revival after their 2020 form which produced just three wins in 10 tests under new head coach Wayne Pivac. Given that Wales’ next game after England is Italy in Rome, which should be a maximum of five points for Pivac’s side, they would potentially open up a significant lead over their rivals, especially if the England defeated France at Twickenham on the same day. There is a long way to go in the title race, but Wales have positioned themselves strongly.
The wings should take center stage
In terms of Saturday box office attractions, look no further than English wings Anthony Watson and Jonny May and their counterparts Josh Adams and Louis Rees-Zammit. It’s not beyond the realms that all four of them could be in the British and Irish Lions squad to face South Africa this summer if those tests go ahead. Between them they have amassed 70 tries in 146 tryouts, with May now second on England’s all-time list behind Rory Underwood, and fellow Gloucester Rees-Zammit bursting onto the international stage. with a memorable brace against Scotland a fortnight ago. . Watson and Adams have also proven their world-class finishing skills, so there’s something to be excited about.
Will the red mist descend on Cardiff?
The Six Nations opener in Wales saw opposition players sent off to Ireland, flanker Peter O’Mahony and Scottish mainstay Zander Fagerson. O’Mahony was sacked for a shoulder blow to the head of Welsh pillar Tomas Francis, while Fagerson left following a dangerous scrum clearance. Red cards also abounded in Gallagher Premiership action last weekend, with four players banned for head contact incidents. Players and referee Pascal Gauzere will be in the limelight on Saturday, and France’s Gauzere is no stranger to sending players to pack their bags, having done so more times – seven times – than any other referee in the past. tests.
🏴🏴 The red rose should have enough. Only. #WALvENG
✍️ Read our preview of Wales vs England. #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/u9VzsumMuv
– Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) February 26, 2021
The big English names must perform
England have had little impact on this season’s Six Nations so far, suffering a first home loss to Scotland for 38 years and then sidelining hopeless Italy from the tournament with little of panache. Head coach Eddie Jones’ team selections have come under intense scrutiny, especially his continued confidence in captain Owen Farrell, fullback Elliot Daly and number eight Billy Vunipola. It’s fair to say that all three need big games at Cardiff, providing key moments for their squad that have sadly been lacking, or even Jones might lack patience when considering his options to face France at Twickenham March 13.
George North – 100 not released
The Welsh wing North will make rugby history on Saturday when at the age of 28 years and 320 days, he will become the youngest player to win 100 caps for their country. He’s the sixth Welshman to reach a century, and he continues to score tries for fun, having amassed 42 for Wales and needing one to equal Shane Williams’ Welsh Six Nations record with 22 touchdowns . North made his tryout debut as an 18-year-old winger in 2010, and he now operates out center, leading the back division and providing an ongoing and considerable challenge to opposition defenses. North is already established as one of Wales’ best players, and there is no indication that he is slowing down.
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