England v Wales A Cracker
- Wales have won their last three Six Nations matches against England - they have not managed four victories in a row since an eventual five-game streak between 1975-79.
- The two nations are locked together on 53 wins apiece in 118 previous meetings, with 12 draws.
- England beat Wales 11-6 in the first- ever international at Twickenham on 15 January, 1910.
On the day that Twickenham celebrates 100 years of international rugby, England are promising to unleash a brave new era in their commemorative old-school jerseys.
While Wales have a deserved reputation for imaginative and instinctive rugby, England have offered little in the last 18 months to dispute the claim of former captain Lawrence Dallaglio that they are inhibited by coach Martin Johnson’s iconic status.
He has looked to his backs for the future, with gifted ball-handlers and willing runners such as Mathew Tait and Riki Flutey restored to the side with a license to express themselves.
The ill wind that blew through England from the southern hemisphere during the autumn internationals also enveloped Wales. Warren Gatland’s side were, like England, comfortably beaten by New Zealand and Australia. The 33-12 defeat to the Wallabies was Wales’ heaviest home defeat in two years.
If Wales needed an added spur to beat England, it will be provided by the planned pre-match entertainment, in aid of the Twickenham centenary celebrations.
The sight of more than 300 choir members forming a huge St George’s Cross while singing the national anthem and Jerusalem is enough to stiffen the resolve of any Welshman.
