‘We have to have disciplined edge’ – Jenkins

WALES assistant coach Neil Jenkins has stressed a need for watertight discipline amid the “edge” and “confrontation” he expects in today’s Six Nations clash against England. England boss Eddie Jones said he had warned his players about the prospect of being targeted with wind-ups by Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones, who on England’s most recent Cardiff visit two years ago repeatedly niggled prop Kyle Sinckler.

Sinckler eventually conceded two penalties in quick succession, leading to a pivotal shift in momentum and his eventual substitution as Wales triumphed 21-13.

Jones said: “At times, he (Alun Wyn Jones) has targeted players in our team. We’ve spoken about him and we understand what he will be trying to do. It’s just about making sure we maintain our composure and our control.”

Asked if Wales tried to wind up the opposition, Jenkins said: “I don’t think so. Things are going to happen, people get on edge, there are going to be confrontations. That’s the reality.

“There is going to be edge, there is no doubting that, but the reality is we have got to keep our discipline as well, keep 15 players on the pitch, back our systems and not give England easy ins.

“I have no doubt there are going to be some altercations, but let’s hope they are disciplined ones and it’s not on our side, anyway. You have got to have a disciplined edge. Any Wales-England game is huge. It’s what it is all about. It’s a game like no other.”

The Principality Stadium would normally be packed for England’s visit, but ongoing restrictions mean the fixture’s latest eagerly-awaited instalment will take place behind closed doors.

“We understand what is going on in the world, and we see it as a duty that we turn up and perform tomorrow,” Jenkins added. “We are going to do our utmost to try and win the game. If we come out on the wrong side, it won’t be through a lack of effort.”

England captain Owen Farrell’s continued selection, meanwhile, has been criticised in some quarters.

But Jenkins, who has worked with Farrell on British and Irish Lions tours, added: “He is world-class, full stop.”

Victory for Wales would secure a Six Nations Triple Crown and represent a significant achievement by head coach Wayne Pivac’s team given that they only won three Tests in total last year.

And amid the push for a notable success, Wales’ George North will become the youngest player in rugby union history to reach 100 caps for their country, aged just 28 years and 320 days.

WALES – L Williams; L Rees-Zammit, G North, J Davies, J Adams; D Biggar, K Hardy; W Jones, K Owens, T Francis, A Beard, AW Jones, J Navidi, J Tipuric, T Faletau.

ENGLAND – E Daly; A Watson, H Slade, O Farrell, J May; G Ford, B Youngs; M Vunipola, J George, K Sinckler, M Itoje, J Hill, M Wilson, T Curry, B Vunipola.

REFEREE – P Gauzere (France).