England will view Saturday’s clash with Wales at Twickenham as a must-win as they continue to contest for a record-extending 30th Six Nations crown.
26 February 2022
18:45
Twickenham – London
England 1/7 | Draw 33/1 | Wales 47/10
Handicap
England (-14.5) 9/10 | Wales (+14.5) 9/10
Both teams collected wins in the second round after respective defeats in the opener. That means the loser of this weekend’s tie will effectively be out of the championship running, with the English heavily favoured at home.
Eddie Jones and his men bounced back from their first-round loss in Edinburgh to blank Italy in Rome with a mostly second-string team. They’re second on the standings on points difference, and will be expected to ease to victory against the injury-ravaged Welsh.
Wayne Pivac’s charges dug deep to claim a vital three-point win over Scotland in round two but will be hard-pressed to replicate a similar result against England at Twickers. Their performances at the breakdown have left a lot to be desired, and the likes of Tom Curry will look to make life as difficult as possible for the visitors in this department.
With both sides are set to spring surprise selections in the forms of Lions Manu Tuilagi and Taulupe Faletau, the game could have an added edge to it.
Verdict: Wales (+14.5) 9/10
These two nations seem to raise the bar whenever they clash, and considering Wales’ current situation, staying within the handicap would be significant for the visitors.
