GAZ TO TURN UP THE HEAT

Anscombe wants pressure on Faz

GARETH ANSCOMBE will hope lightning strikes twice when he lines up against Owen Farrell in the Cardiff cauldron.

Eight years ago, the Wales fly-half kicked seven out of seven to steer New Zealand to Junior World Cup final victory over Farrell’s England.

“Obviously, that was a nice day for myself,” said the son of a Welsh mum, whose Kiwi team includ ed England forward Brad Shields. “But I imagine it is going to be a lot different to how that was. “Owen has really grown over the last few years. He’s a world-class player and has a calming influence on that England side. But he’s also had a lot going his way lately, so it is important that we try to put him under a little bit of pressure.

“England have been outstanding in the way they have broken down teams, in particular with their kicking game.”

Anscombe played full-back at Twickenham last year, when Farrell started at centre.

And he added: “They have scored early a lot recently and managed to dictate the tempo of games. It’s important we start well and make sure we apply pressure.”

Wales’ pre-match strategy has been to publicly question the temperament of “emotional time-bomb” Kyle Sinckler, prompting England attack coach Scott Wisemantel to last night accuse Warren Gatland of “trying to stir the pot”.

He said: “We saw in the Australia game (when Sinckler sledged the Wallabies) that Kyle has a quick wit and can refocus very quickly.

“He plays the game on the edge. Do you really want to take that away from someone? I don’t think so. He knows how to control himself and I don’t think it’s an issue at all.

“If Wales target him, then they’re leaving 14 other blokes to do their jobs, so good luck!”

Meanwhile, Farrell will demand fire in English hearts but the coolest of heads when they enter the Dragons’ den.

A fortnight of mind games has raised the temperature and he senses that being distracted from their game plan is the biggest threat to England’s title ambitions.

The England captain said: “Emotionally we’ve got to be spot on because you can be too tense and that causes you to do things you don’t normally do.

“Wales will be up for this game and we have to make sure we are in the right place.

“You have to make sure the pressure brings the best out of you. Games like this are usually about doing the simple things well, not trying to pull a rabbit out of a hat.”