Wales can seal an unlikely Triple Crown triumph with victory over England at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Wales v England
18h45
Principality Stadium
To Win Match
Wales 2/1
Draw 25/1
England 4/10
Handicap
Wales (+6.5) 9/10
England (-6.5) 9/10
Wayne Pivac’s charges, who lost 10 Tests out of 13 last year, beat Ireland and Scotland in the opening rounds of the competition with red cards playing a crucial role in both outcomes. With the English now visiting the Principality, an under fire Pivac has the chance to keep the vultures at bay by claiming the Triple Crown with another win here.
The Kiwi coach looks set to field Jonathan Davies and George North together for just the second time in midfield. The experienced duo missed the win over Scotland through injury and should bolster the side. Leigh Halfpenny is concussed, so Liam Williams is set to start at No 15 with star winger Josh Adams back in contention after serving his ban for breaching Covid-19 protocols.
Many reckon the Dragons have been lucky in winning their first two red card-affected Tests. They should ready themselves for what will be another almighty tussle with an English outfit feeling the heat themselves this season.
If the Welsh pack can bring the typical bullish attitude they showed under Warren Gatland, they will cause the visitors problems.
Eddie Jones’ side followed up their poor round one performance against Scotland with an improved showing against Italy. Still, there remain question marks surrounding the side’s style of footy as well as the form of a number of senior players.
According to The Guardian, Billy Vunipola this week labelled his recent performances as “rubbish” and went so far as to suggest that Jones “probably thinks someone has cloned me” such is the lack of impact he has had on England’s campaign.
To be fair a number, of England’s Saracens contingent, with the exception of Maro Itoje, continue to be off the pace but this week should be much improved after the opening two rounds.
Verdict: Wales (+6.5) Handicap 9/10
This should be a tight one with England
sneaking it, but Dan Biggar’s boot should see Wales stay within the handicap.
Written by Shaun Goosen
