England v Wales – the only game that matters?

It used to be the defining match for Wales every season, however the rest of the season had gone.

The joke ran that Welsh rugby was guided by the following principle: beat England, and the other games don’t matter.

But now the game is professional, bringing with it a host of cliches that guide sport when money is at stake: every game is a must-win match; the next contest is always just another game, whoever the opposition are.

So arguably an England Wales encounter doesn’t have the season-defining intensity it once did. In 1987, within 10 minutes, one Welsh forward was on his way to hospital with a triple fracture in his cheekbone administered by England lock wade Dooley. These being amateur days, Dooley had a day job when not boxing on the rugby pitch. He was a policeman.

After the game he and three other players were banned for violent conduct. In his defence, Dooley went on to have magnificent career, admitted what he’d done was dreadful, and even went on to work for the authorities as a citing officer – jargon for the official keeping an eye out for any haymakers from today’s players.

And yet, in terms of what’s at stake for the team in today’s encounter at Twickenham, it’s perhaps the most significant match between the two sides since their quarterfinal match in the 2003 world cup.

Both sides are unbeaten. The winner will be well placed to win the championship. The loser probably destined for mid table mediocrity.

And that’s just talking about points on the board. If England win, their interim head coach, Stuart Lancaster, may well effectively secure himself the job on a permanent basis. The dwarf-throwing, beer-necking horrors of the last world cup will become little more than a bad hangover the team and its supporters can distantly remember.

And for Wales, it is perhaps the chance to cement a truly halcyon era for the national side. If they go on to win the grand slam – highly likely given the draw after today’s match – it will be their third in seven years. That’s a record on a par with the much related achievements of Wales in the 1970s. It would also be only their second victory at Twickenham in 24 years.

Few think England have much of a chance. A young side, they have scrapped their way to victories so far against Scotland and Italy, showing much resolve but little skill. Wales have looked very impressive, if not unbeatable, against Scotland and Ireland.

By this evening we will know how good Wales really are. And if England are well along the road to recovery, or still pulling the car out of the garage. For the next 24 hours it’ll be just like the old days. All that matter is who wins the game between England and Wales.

Ben Monro-Davies is Head of Output for Channel 4 News