Gatland: We will be ready for England

WARREN Gatland says “things are in our own hands” as Wales begin preparations for a Guinness Six Nations showdown against England.

Wales, unbeaten for a year and with two home games to come in this season’s tournament, will maintain hopes of a first Grand Slam since 2012 if they topple Eddie Jones’ team on February 23.

But Gatland also knows the size of Wales’ task when they meet a team undefeated against them in Six Nations combat since 2013.

“I thought the England performance against Ireland was the best I have seen from an England team in the last five years,” Wales head coach Gatland said.

“Tactically, they were outstanding.

“We have probably helped ourselves a little bit by not playing as well as we could have (against Italy), and as a result everyone will start talking about England, talking England up, and sometimes that is easier to help motivate yourself if that does happen.

“Things are in our own hands, with two big home games to come (against England and Ireland).

“It will be electric in the Principality Stadium, and it gives us a chance to be at home. Once you are on a run like this (11 successive wins), you don’t want it to go.

“The nice thing is we have two weeks together in the build-up to the England match, and we are excited about it.

“Having two weeks together will be good for this group of players, but we have a few things to work on, which is always pleasing, and a couple of really tough weeks of training.”

Wales lock Jake Ball, meanwhile, believes the best is yet to come from a team that has opened its Six Nations campaign with successive away victories over France and Italy.

“England is going to be a massive crunch match,” said the Berkshire-born Scarlets forward.

“It should be one hell of a game.

“We know Wales against England is always a massive fixture, and to be fair to them, they are playing some excellent rugby.

“We know it’s going to be one hell of a challenge.”