DRAGONS MUST PAY FOR RANT

ENGLAND are ready to make Wales pay in today’s Six Nations blockbuster for a claim of Twickenham crowd “arrogance”.

Dragons legend Mike Phillips thundered in his column for WalesOnline: “There is something that winds you up about it.

“There always seems to be a certain degree of arrogance about the crowd there.

“They have the money behind them, we’re a smaller nation, they look down their noses at us and you just use that as motivation.”

Victory for England would keep alive their hopes of a third title in five years and Jamie George called on those fans to roar them home.

George said: “The Welsh fans in Cardiff make it petty hostile, so we’re looking forward to welcoming Wales to Twickenham. We want to make it as tough for them as we possibly can.

“We’re preparing for a proper battle. I’d say it’s the strongest rivalry, historically. There’s a different edge to it.”

The match takes place against a backdrop of the coronavirus and floods, and Eddie Jones’ team have vowed to lift the mood of the country.

Coach John Mitchell said: “It’s an opportunity for two or three hours for everyone to put aside their struggles and challenges and enjoy an outing.

“Twickenham is like a coliseum on a rugby day, there’s no greater experience.

“Everyone has their tough times, but sport is a great avenue for people to connect with others.”

Wales have served notice they intend taking the game to England, with Nick Tompkins throwing down the gauntlet to clubmate George.

“He has been in contact this week to say he’s going to annoy me a little bit,” said the hooker. “I’ll annoy him back.”

Mitchell admits England are still stewing from last season’s loss in Cardiff. He added: “That’s one game that niggles away at your stomach and your head.”