England v Wales – English persepective on 2010 RBS Six Nations

Team: England

Number of Six Nations Titles: 3

Finishing Position in 2009 Six Nations: 2nd

England vs. Wales Stats (All time):
England – W53, D12, L53
Biggest Winning Margin: England 62, Wales 5
Largest Losing Margin: England 0, Wales 25
England average points per game against Wales: 12.71
2009 Six Nations Result: Wales 23, England 15

Chances: England finished as runner’s up in last year’s tournament, but it was still considered to be a poor showing by Martin Johnson’s men. Positives to take were that they finished the tournament as the top try scorers, but their two defeats against Ireland and Wales meant that they finished level on points with France and Wales. There was a lot of criticism about the team selection and tactics employed by Martin Johnson, and ever the optimist, Johnson is confident he has the best squad that he could possibly put out. The Autumn internationals didn’t go too well for Johnson, as England looked flat and completely devoid of attacking ideas. The old powerhouse of England controlling everything wit the forwards is not there at the moment, and this is the time Johnson should be using to build a steady, consistent squad ahead of the World Cup.

Johnson has got some, but not all, important players back, and has decided to line up at Twickenham in an attacking frame of mind. Matthew Tait, one of the more dynamic England players get a start in the centre, while last year’s top try scorer Riki Flutey maintains his place in the side. By picking Nick Easter, Johnson appears to be seeking some attacking solutions. Danny Care takes the responsibility at scrum half. On paper, it looks like a strong team, but it has been the execution of the team’s ability which was glaringly letting the nation down in the Autumn. The players know what they need to do, the management have told them what they should be doing, but whether that all comes together is a different matter.

The fixtures will play a major factor in this year’s Six Nations, as England’s opening fixture against Wales, is only one of two home matches. The other one could be a massively crucial one against tournament favourites Ireland. Their toughest match, which could come down to being something of a decider, is their final match which is Paris against the French. With their main challengers for the title both playing what should be relatively easy games, England need to send out a big message that they mean business, by not only winning against Wales, but by playing with confidence and conviction. They could realistically have more of a chance than what the critics may suggest. While still missing most of their front row, which could be crucial against Wales’ top drawer front three, England should have enough to be optimistic.

Key Man: Nick Easter. At number eight, Easter has the ball skills to make a huge difference to whether England are attacking well, or get sucked into scrappy slow play. One of the better, and more dynamic ball carries in the England pack as well, a good game by Easter can make all the difference to the England squad. You know what you are going to get from the likes of Cueto, Wilkinson and Shaw, some needs to provide that cohesive link to make the fifteen a team.

Outright Six Nations Odds
5/1 at Bwin

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