Jenkins lauds ‘exceptional’ England ahead of key clash

Neil Jenkins believes that England have been “exceptional” in the Guinness Six Nations ahead of next week’s crunch Cardiff clash against Wales.

Both sides will arrive unbeaten at the Principality Stadium, with Wales defeating France and Italy away and England seeing off Ireland and France.

The ruthless manner of England’s victories, though, have left an indelible mark on this season’s tournament and underlined their status as firm title favourites.

They have not lost in the Welsh capital since 2013, when Wales’ stunning 30-3 victory destroyed English Grand Slam hopes. And the latest meeting on Welsh soil is set to have a major bearing on where this season’s Six Nations silverware ends up.

“They have been exceptional, there is no doubting that,” Wales skills coach Jenkins said. “Going to Ireland, we know how tough that is. I thought the intensity and accuracy they (England) brought to the game was very good, and they fully deserved their win, and then to back that up against France last weekend was fantastic.

“We know what it is, it’s Wales versus England, it’s in Cardiff and it is a humongous game. I would like to think we will be more than ready, and I am sure they will be as well.

“We are looking forward to the game. We know what’s coming, and we are looking forward to it. Some of their decision-making, you need to make sure your back-field is in a good place against England at this moment in time.

“Any sort of space they see they utilise it, whether it is through ball in hand or through their kicking game.

“We haven’t beaten England since 2015 (World Cup), so we are going to have to step up our game and I would like to think we are going to do that when they come to Cardiff.”