Just what Wales need right now, says Jenkins

England and Ireland. I know most of the players would say they are desperate to play.”

Wales will be bidding to extend their record winning streak to 15, against an England team whose outspoken coach Eddie Jones claims are world champions in waiting.

“By the time we fly out on the 8th of September we will be ready to win the Rugby World Cup,” declared the brash Australian.

England were runners-up to Wales in this year’s Six Nations after losing 21-13 in Cardiff, and were also held to a draw against Scotland at Twickenham in the final game of the tournament after throwing away a huge lead. Nevertheless, former Grand Slam winner James Haskell backed Jones’ bold prediction England can lift the World Cup for a second time, having become the first and so far only northern hemisphere to have achieved the feat, under the stewardship of Clive Woodward 16 years ago.

“Eddie has left no stone unturned in pursuit of making the best team possible. I think they’ve taken training to a new level,” said the ex-England and Lions back-row forward.

“I’ve had conversations with Eddie and he’s excited. For me, it’s the best chance England have had since 2003, I think we’re in the best possible place to go and compete.”

Gatland and Jones name their 23-man match-day squads on Friday with the latter announcing his 31-man England World Cup squad next Monday.

Wales host England at the Millennium Stadium on August 17, also facing Ireland in Cardiff at the end of the month before meeting Joe Schmidt’s men in Dublin a week later.

Gatland is due to announce his squad for the World Cup on September 1.