Wales relishing return to home comforts with No 1 ranking in sight

Alun Wyn Jones says that Wales want to continue their Cardiff feelgood factor in today’s World Cup warm-up clash against England.

Wales will make a first Principality Stadium appearance since March, when a 25-7 victory over Ireland secured the Six Nations title and Grand Slam glory.

A win at England’s expense this weekend would make it 11 in a row at home against all opponents and also see Wales replace New Zealand as world rugby’s No 1-ranked nation.

Wales have never previously reached the rankings summit, and it would represent an impressive feat, especially just a month before the World Cup starts. “It’s nice to be home,” Wales captain Jones said. “The occasion when we were here last time was obviously special, and we are not going to lie, we want to carry that on.

“There is a big responsibility when we pull the jersey on. I say it a lot, and pardon the cliche, but it means a lot to be here and playing at home.”

Wales, though, will need to show an improvement from last Sunday’s outing at Twickenham, when England beat them 33-19. “Results are important off the back of a performance – your performance tells you a lot about your result as well,” Jones added.

“It is an opportunity for us to redeem ourselves after the first game.”

Ruaridh Mcconnochie is a late doubt for England because of muscle soreness.

Mcconnochie was due to make his international debut against Warren Gatland’s men last weekend but was withdrawn due to a hip problem.

The Bath wing, a sevens specialist who won a silver medal with Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics, is understood to be 50-50 to pull through.

If Mcconnochie fails his fitness test, either Anthony Watson or Jonny May will be drafted straight into the starting XV to plug the gap on the right wing.