England v Wales – A Welsh outlook on the 2010 RBS Six Nations

Team: Wales

Number of Six Nations Titles: 2

Finishing Position in 2009 Six Nations: 4th

England vs. Wales Stats (All-time):
Wales against England: W53, D12, L53
Biggest Winning Margin: England 0, Wales 25
Largest Losing Margin: England 62, Wales 5
Wales average points per game against England: 11.09
2009 Six Nations result: Wales 23, England 15

Chances: Wales will be looking for a better season, but perhaps they may be flattering to deceive. They are not as strong as their Grand Slam side of 2008 by a long shot, by they are quite nippy in the backs. One of their major strengths is in the front row, where their all-Lions three of Matthew Reeds, Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins could be one of the key factors in the game. England’s strengths are always perceived to be in the forwards, and this is where Wales will need to effectively take them on. By slowing down the English up front, Wales can stifle all momentum and enthusiasm from the home supporters. They have received some good news in that full back Lee Byrne will be eligible to play against England, after all the fiasco of him appearing for his club Osprey’s as a 16th man in their recent Heineken cup win against Leicester. Byrne’s appearance, after getting a ban repealed, will mean that the ever dangerous James Hook can move back into midfield.

Coach Warren Gatland actually has some nice problems over selections in the pack, and will want to likely go with players who have a little speed and mobility over what is deemed to be a slower England pack. But England will be setting up in an attacking manner, and Gatland will be aware that his team may need to dig in defensively in the early part of the game, keeping things tight. Wales enjoyed a nice win over England in last year’s tournament, with wing Leigh Halfpenny running in a try, and Stephen Jones banging over 5/5 kicks. But the Welsh did look particularly impressive during their autumn season of games. They should push on comfortably for at least fourth place again, but because of what should be two home banker games against Italy and Scotland, there really shouldn’t be too much stopping them from pushing for third. While winning the title is unlikely, with two major tests away at England and Ireland, Wales have their edge of unpredictability, largely down to not being as defensively strong as they are inventive going forward.

Key Man: Gethin Jenkins. The man is a beast and a world class act in the front row. There probably isn’t an international rugby side which he couldn’t walk straight into at the moment. He is pivotal in carrying the ball, and the work he gets through is phenomenal. Mr Consistency, he will be there at every break down and ruffling the feathers of the England front row.

Outright Six Nations Odds
5/1 at Paddy Power

England v Wales Match Odds
England to win: 4/6 at SportingBet
Draw: 20/1 at Paddy Power
Wales to win: 6/4 at SportingBet