England out to lift fans’ spirits in campaign climax
ENGLAND enter the final match of a Guinness Six Nations cut short by coronavirus determined to lift the country’s spirits by toppling Wales at Twickenham.
Widespread flooding, the outbreak of Covid-19 and uncertainty over Brexit have created gloom that defence coach John Mitchell insists can be lifted by a stirring performance at the Red Rose “colosseum”.
England have been directly affected by coronavirus after their climax to the Six Nations against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico next Saturday was postponed on public health grounds, while Mako Vunipola will not be involved against Wales after passing through virus-hit Hong Kong.
With the Wales clash potentially now the final outing for Eddie Jones’ squad before the autumn, Mitchell expects a memorable encounter today.
“The great thing about rugby is that it brings a lot of diversity together,” the former All Blacks boss said.
“For two or three hours it’s an opportunity for everyone to put aside their struggles and challenges and enjoy an outing.
“Twickenham is like a colosseum on a rugby day, there’s no greater experience, and people can get satisfaction from coming here.
“But what’s vitally important for all people is to be able to connect to others because everyone has their tough times and challenges. Sport is a great avenue for this.
“Wales are a good side — they haven’t been World Cup semi-finalists and Grand Slam champions for nothing. We respect that.
“But the guys are totally ready for what is to come. It will be hugely contestable, it will be highly chaotic, it will be physical. And they are things we look forward to and cherish.”
Courtney Lawes understands the feel-good factor that can be generated by a rousing victory over rivals considered their fiercest in the Six Nations.
“Sport is obviously a great way of bringing the nation together. We’ve got a job to do,” Lawes said.
“We love playing at Twickenham — the fans definitely give us a bit of an edge — and we want to exploit that. On home turf we want to come out firing.”
England have made it clear they are motivated by revenge following their 21-13 defeat in Cardiff last year, collapsing to the eventual Grand Slam winners having built a 10-3 halftime lead.
Jones has declared “we owe them one” and Mitchell agreed: “It’s amazing how some games niggle away at you and that’s one game that niggles away at your stomach and your head.
“And that’s a good thing because it’s important to have those feelings and emotions because they’re what drive you. If you don’t have them you’re missing something vitally important.”
Wales fly-half Dan Biggar has overcome a knee injury to start.
England: E Daly (Saracens); A Watson (Bath), M Tuilagi (Leicester), O Farrell (Saracens, capt), J May (Leicester); G Ford (Leicester), B Youngs (Leicester); J Marler (Harlequins), J George (Saracens), K Sinckler (Harlequins), M Itoje (Saracens), G Kruis (Saracens), C Lawes (Northampton), M Wilson (Sale Sharks), T Curry (Sale Sharks). Reps: L Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), E Genge (Leicester), W Stuart (Bath), J Launchbury (Wasps), C Ewels (Bath), B Earl (Saracens), W Heinz (Gloucester), H Slade (Exeter).
Wales: L Halfpenny (Scarlets); G North (Ospreys), N Tompkins (Saracens), H Parkes (Scarlets), L Williams (Scarlets); D Biggar (Northampton), T Williams (Cardiff); R Evans (Scarlets), K Owens (Scarlets), D Lewis (Cardiff), J Ball (Scarlets), A W Jones (Ospreys, capt), R Moriarty (Dragons), J Tipuric (Ospreys), J Navidi (Cardiff). Reps: R Elias (Scarlets), R Carre (Saracens), L Brown (Dragons), A Shingler (Scarlets), T Faletau (Bath), R Webb (Bath), J Evans (Cardiff Blues), J McNicholl (Scarlets).
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand).