UR TV CAST

I give Wales every chance to stop England taking immediate control of the Six Nations Championship at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, when neither side will need reminding what a huge game this is. It could define the entire tournament and, because expectation is so high in both camps, losing will be as close to a catastrophe as you can get on the opening day. I give Wales every chance to stop England taking immediate control of the Six Nations Championship at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, when neither side will need reminding what a huge game this is. It could define the entire tournament and, because expectation is so high in both camps, losing will be as close to a catastrophe as you can get on the opening day.
England will start favourites but they’ll be meeting a strong Welsh side, packed with confidence and in-form players. And I’m sure Wales will know how important it is for them to take a solid and disciplined strategy into the game to combat the power they are up against.They must keep the penalty-rate down even when 60 yards or more from their line. Jonny Wilkinson might not go for goal from that range, but he’ll kick long and accurately for touch and England are a very serious threat once they are inside your 22.

They work the catch and drive so well, they can keep the ball all day.Wales have got to play as much of the game as possible in England’s half, so their kicking game is going to be crucial. It is just as well that the Welsh half-backs, Robert Howley and Neil Jenkins, are in such good form. The duel between Wilkinson and Jenkins is going to be a great contest all of its own.Most of the Welsh players are carrying a lot of good form from the Heineken Cup, but there are still one or two problem areas they need to worry about The front row are not settled. Dai Young hasn’t seen much action through injury, and the hooker position is still poised between Garin Jenkins and Robbie McBride.The line-out remains a serious worry, which is why the Welsh coach, Graham Henry, may bring Nathan Budgett into the back row to counter the threat of Lawrence Dallaglio. It’s a difficult decision, because he needs Martin Williams to look after Neil Back. But the back row is a Welsh strength, with Scott Quinnell and Colin Charvis in terrific form.In the second row I expect to see Chris Wyatt and Ian Gough start the game, with Craig Quinnell on the bench The back line is not so easy to guess at.

I suspect that Henry will stick with the tried and trusted, which means a three-quarter line of Gareth Thomas, Scott Gibbs, Allan Bateman and Dafydd James. I would not have a massive argument with that idea, but I would be inclined to try something different.If there are any doubts about Rhys Williams at full-back after Cardiff’s disappointing performance against Gloucester yesterday, I would favour the option of using Gareth Thomas’ attacking weaponry from the full-back position. That would give an opportunity for Nick Walne to play on the right wing. He has been playing well for Cardiff and is an excellent defender.There is another change I would consider. Although I am Bateman’s biggest fan, I would play James at outside-centre, because he can be more of a danger and is looking as sharp as a dagger for Llanelli at themoment.I would partner him with his clubmate Mark Jones on the wing. Jones is quick, but his main talent is the ease with which he goes past defenders, and you do need that sort of guile to turn the tide in the power struggle that this will be.Lack of creativity is the one fault that prevents England from challenging for the top spot in world rugby.

Even without it, I would put them in the top three, but there’s always a question mark over a team who can’t produce those instinctive moments of pure flair.Wales have that ability, but the trouble is getting the chance to use it in these days of defensive domination. England’s success in the autumn internationals proved how strong they are, and being able to welcome a fresh Martin Johnson back into action is a big advantage.With a defence that has been so well drilled by the former league men Phil Larder and Ellery Hanley and a great goal-kicker in Wilkinson, they really are capable of beating anyone. But they have come terribly unstuck on two famous occasions during the past two seasons, so I doubt if they’ll be looking to take chances. If they were, the one player I would call on is Austin Healey, and the position I’d play him in is full-back. If you can play outside-half you can play full-back, and I rate Healey the most dangerous broken-play runner in England.How will England fare in their first experience of the Millennium Stadium atmosphere? It can frighten the life out of you, but there’ll be just as much pressure on Wales.

First and foremost, it is an inspirational place to play rugby in, and I only hope that the game is won by a willingness to break free from the stranglehold that defences have on modern rugby.. For a number of reasons, Andy Robinson cannot forget his final appearance for England. It was against South Africa at Twickenham in 1995 and he was up against the mighty Ruben Kruger “I touched the ball 27 times,” Robinson said. What he omitted to say is that for the first 34 minutes he never got a sniff.