COUNTDOWN TO TWICKENHAM
Some tough calls for Gatland ahead of England showdown... and who makes the cut for our team of the weekend?
LIAM Williams and George North have been declared fit for Wales’ Six Nations showdown with reigning champions England at Twickenham.
They took a full part in training yesterday with wing North having scored a try in Northampton’s Anglo-Welsh Cup victory over Harlequins at the weekend.
That was his first start since damaging a knee last October while wing or full-back Williams has only appeared once for Saracens since being forced off with an abdominal injury during Wales’ win against Georgia in November.
“George playing last Friday was a big positive for us. Both he and Liam being fit for us is a big bonus – they’re world class players,” said Wales kicking guru and former outside-half Neil Jenkins.
Wales coach Warren Gatland has to decide whether to keep the back-three of full-back Leigh Halfpenny, Josh Adams and Steff Evans, which didn’t put a foot wrong and accounted for three of the four tries in the 34-7 trumping of Scotland, or bring Williams, North or both back for Saturday’s Battle of Britain.
Impressive lock Cory Hill is going through head injury protocols after taking a knock against the Scots with Bradley Davies on standby to replace him. Gatland is today due to name his Wales team to face England.
“We’re under no illusions when it comes to what Saturday’s all about. We know how tough it is at Twickenham and how good England are,” said Jenkins.
“But it’s a ground where we’ve won quite a few times in the last 10 years, so it doesn’t hold any fear for us really.”
Despite the proven firepower of North and Williams, Wales’ record tryscorer Shane Williams has urged Gatland not to make changes for the Twickenham showdown.
Williams was hugely impressed with Wales’ back-three and feels they should get another chance.
“I have heard one or two people saying Steff Evans was caught out at times with his positioning,” said Williams.
“Maybe that was the case, but the positives in his game massively outweighed the negatives and he was the catalyst for so much that was good in Wales’ performance.
“I just enjoy watching him play. I have been looking at some games and then I realise that for the previous five minutes the only player I have been watching is Steff Evans.
“So of course I feel he should keep his place.
“Wales do have extra back-three options for the game with England in London, with George North and Liam Williams but my choice would be to stick with the line-up that blew away the Scots.
“Halfpenny has to keep his place after answering his critics with one of his best performances for Wales. His goal-kicking and general play were exceptional and his confidence will be sky-high.
“If it were me, I’d also give a vote of confidence to Josh Adams, who came up with a largely error-free effort against the Scots.
“Considering it was his debut, the youngsters did exceptionally well, appearing totally unfazed.
“When you get someone having a go like he did in his first game in international rugby, you know he is made of the right stuff.
“I know there will be some calling for Liam and/or George to be restored to the starting line-up, but I’d counsel caution there.
“Match-fitness is crucial in Test rugby, far more so than in the regional game.
“A player coming back from a longterm injury might just be half-a-second down in his sprint work and mentally he might not be at the races.
“He might just still have the odd doubt about whether his fitness will hold up.”