Jones: England face ‘greatest Wales side’

London: Coach Eddie Jones says England will face the ‘greatest Wales side ever’ in a potential Six Nations title decider in Cardiff on February 23.

England overwhelmed France 44-8 yesterday to follow up their win over Grand Slam winners Ireland last week. Wales won their 11th successive Test by beating Italy on Saturday, equalling a century-old national record.

“We are playing the greatest Welsh side ever. That’s what we are hearing, we’ll take it at face value,” said Jones. “We’re going to have to be at our absolute best. Preparation starts on Wednesday.” Wales recovered from 16-0 down to beat France in their opening match and overcame Italy 26-15 on Sunday. Warren Gatland, who will stand down as Wales coach after this year’s World Cup in Japan, made 10 changes for the match against Italy and promised his team would be “a lot better” against England. “You’re playing against a tough, physical team,” added Jones. “They contest hard at the breakdown. You’ve got to earn every point against them.

“We’re looking forward to going down there. It should be fun.”

With a rest weekend meaning there is a fortnight’s wait until the match, England halfback Ben Youngs said he would revel in the pre-match build-up.

“It’s going to be great. Whenever England and Wales meet each other, it is fantastic and now it has a bit added to it,” said Youngs said.

England have won on their last two visits to the Millennium Stadium, with 21-16 victories in 2015 and 2017. However, Wales have won 36 of their 64 home matches against England and went 13 home Tests undefeated against their rivals between 1963 and 1991.-BBCSports

-Stuff