RBS 6 Nations: England v Wales

[Philtaz]

Tomorrow sees the one sporting occasion that everyone in Wales looks forward to most every year, the match against England. Regardless of current status (and we're doing rather well as it happens!) it's the one game where form usually goes out the window as every player summons that little bit extra in order to overcome the old enemy.
If we'd lost every game in the tournament it's the one against England that every Welsh player wants to win.
Twickenham has not been a happy hunting ground for Wales, having won there only twice in the last 25 years however there is added significance (as if it were needed) this time as it will be the first opportunity Wales have ever had in winning the Triple Crown at Twickenham.
For England there is of course always 'the Twickenham factor' and doubtless they'll be buoyed by that, it's just that on current styles of play, newly blooded players, transitional period, new coach etc I really cannot see anyone who poses a significant game-winning threat to the current Welsh team.
I'm always wary of making such predictions (especially against England) however I am prepared to stick my neck out and declare that Wales will win by a clear 17 points, such is my confidence and belief in the present team.

Cymru Am Byth.


Anyone else got their predictions?

[WyeDyed]

Based on current form your prediction should be about right but this has to be one of the most unpredictable fixtures on the calender.
Historically the scores stand at England 56 Wales 54 with 12 draws.
As an Englishman living in Wales for the past 25 years, I'm going to stick my neck out and say England to win by 3 points (I'm thinking around 22-19).
On the other hand you could kick our a55es into next week!
This will be England's first true test, we'll see if they're up to it.

[Philtaz]

England by 3,WyeDyed? That's even bolder than my prediction! IMHO moving Farrell to 10 in such a massive fixture is a big gamble but to be fair to the lad he does seem to have an old head on young shoulders and he isn't easily fazed.
Wales appear to be superior in all areas and have a wealth of experience, even amongst their younger players.
One stat I heard last night is that Wales have more caps on the bench than the England 15 combined!

[beejay1124]

england by 11-15 points
odds of 11/1
worth a tickle methinks

[Philtaz]

If you're gonna be that daft beejay you may as well just give the money to me!

[theshedman]

As a Welshman living in England I am quite confident of a Wales win. Our 2 weaknesses seem to be putting in at the lineout and kicking away too much ball when we are good when we have ball in hand. If we can sort those 2 out then we should be ok.

[Noraq]

I think you said it all there. Cymru Am Byth

[Philtaz]

Minor correction to my earlier post I believe it's more caps on the bench than the England squad(22), not just the starting 15!

[murraymints]

ought to be a god match...hope Wales gets it !!!

[Kiki-frog]

As an Englishwoman living in England, I have a horrible feeling England might be in for a bit of a thrashing.

But then again I predicted the same against Scotland, and didn't take into account the fact that Scotland would be so complacent and were caught completely on the hop. Now I can't help wondering if Wales might be equally complacent (newly blooded players, transitional period, new coach etc, to quote Philtaz)?

It will be close and well fought, whoever wins. Bring it on, I say. Can't wait!

[Noraq]

Young Farrell is going to be a Legend (imho)

[Kiki-frog]

Farrell is looking pretty good. I wonder of Mouritz Botha will still have the same scare factor ("Jaysus, they've recruited Boris Johnson!"). Sorry, getting silly now.

[weecalf]

England by 6 points just you watch

[Philtaz]

Didn't realise there were so many optimists on AB!

[Noraq]

.....*changes green scarf for red...Land of my Fathers...la la la la....
shove over there lads...what have I missed??

Bring on the victims....erm..I mean the English.......=)

[WyeDyed]

9 - 6 to England at Half Time. Should be a cracker of a second half.
[tremble]

[jno]

Wales blew the first half - lots of possession, didn't do anything with it. They really need a finisher like Shane Williams. Instead they've just been kicking it away. Since then England have been playing their best rugby of the season. It's not looking good for Wales so far.

[Zacs-Master]

This England side can actually pass the ball on the attack! Excellent. Just need to stop loosing possession so near the line.

[WyeDyed]

We're not giving George North any space. England looking like a proper team for the first time in the tournament.
40 minutes is a very long time in rugby. Anything could happen.

Signing off now to watch second half...

[Kiki-frog]

It's looking good for England, but I'd like to see something more than just alternating penalties! I guess England has a lot to prove after World Cup shambles, so they're in with more than a fighting chance, methinks.

[bibblebub]

Anyone else listening to the refs mic audio? All the England players (but not the Welsh) are calling the ref 'sir' which is so refreshing these days (probably shows good discipline too).