Six Nations: England seek revenge against Wales
After four consecutive defeats, England’s rugby players take on Wales at Twickenham on Sunday – with their coach warning that it is time to “deliver on the field”.
Wales are targeting an unprecedented third successive Six Nations crown – an achievement that has never been managed outright before – and a fourth consecutive victory over England.
But England head coach Stuart Lancaster said he wants his improving team to show the same intensity that was on display in the 13-10 win against Ireland in the hope of avenging last year’s 30-3 thrashing in Cardiff.
“All the talking is fine but we have to make sure we deliver on the field,” he warned. “It’s a big game, a tough game, but we think we’re ready.”
Lancaster described Wales as an “experienced, high-quality side who are looking to defend their title”.
He is under no illusions about the task England face against Warren Gatland’s players, given the number of British and Irish Lions in the Welsh ranks.
“Looking at the quality of their team, they are full of British Lions. We don’t have so many but, come the day, let’s see what happens.”
The winners will go on to contest the title on the final weekend, with England travelling to Rome to face Italy, while the losers will be removed from contention.
Injury blows
Wales have been dealt an injury blow, with lock Luke Charteris ruled out with a neck problem. He will be replaced by Jake Ball, with Andrew Coombs moving on to the bench.
The late loss of Perpignan forward Charteris is a setback for Wales, given his line-out expertise, but Ball impressed greatly when he made his first international start in the 27-6 victory over France.
For England, Gloucester’s back row Ben Morgan replaces Billy Vunipola, who has been dropped with a sprained ankle.
The Gloucester back row has made a substantial contribution to England’s Six Nations campaign as an impact replacement, but is to win his 19th cap as a starter against Wales.
Centre Manu Tuilagi recovered from a torn pectoral muscle to play for Leicester last weekend, but his lack of match fitness after six months on the sidelines means he is not considered for England selection.