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The Expert View
Gwyn Jones 12 February 2009
After a convincing victory against Scotland on Sunday, the only question that most Welsh supporters are asking is: who will be in the team that beats England on Saturday.
Before the Scotland game I was concerned that the loss of Ryan Jones would be significant. It was not. Dafydd Jones delivered a complete performance and the side didn't suffer in the slightest.
Wales eased into their established pattern, which was both too slick and too powerful for Scotland. At times the game lacked intensity, but mainly because the opposition were unable to rise to the challenge. It looked easy, even if it wasn't. Now we are waiting on final fitness tests for Shane Williams, Ryan Jones and Gavin Henson before Gatland announces who will take the field to take the English apart.
Meanwhile, England looked anything but comfortable in their win over Italy. Their stuttering autumn form is more pedestrian than ever, and their inability to develop a cohesive strategy underlines the lack of direction that is at the heart of their problem.
In the years before Martin Johnson became the national captain, England were a quality side playing a good brand of rugby, but they kept on losing decisive games to clinch Grand Slams. When Jonno took over they became a far more ruthless team. Not as expansive but utterly efficient. As we saw in the 1997 Lions tour, the 2003 World Cup and most of the Tigers’ Heineken Cup success, the big man's method was that of attrition. Under pressure now as the manager, Johnson is returning to what he knows best - hard, intimidating, boring rugby. However, we should all expect a far more committed performance from England on Saturday. Their scrum won't be as pitiful as Scotland’s and their line-out will be strong. The collisions on the gainline will shake the players to their bones and points will have to be earned the hard way. Having said that, Wales are the better side and, if they play to their potential, they should win. Gatland's big task is to get the mindset right. Wales are rightfully confident but they should prepare for the most physical encounter of the Six Nations Championship. There are a few players in the red shirt that have allowed their emotions to overcome them in the past and pitching their excitement just right will be difficult. I think Wales will win but I don't expect it to be easy. I think that there will be less than a score in it until the end and our collective nerve will be tested to its limit. But keep the faith, Wales are a good side at present and at home it will take something exceptional to beat them. From what I've seen so far, England are not that team.