Wind-up Warren, says Sir Clive

CLIVE Woodward has outlined the key areas for England to work on ahead of their titanic Six Nations showdown in Cardiff... and they include winding up Wales coach Warren Gatland.

After two rounds of the Six Nations just Wales and England remain unbeaten with Eddie Jones’ side heading to the Principality Stadium in irresistible form beating 2018 Grand Slam champions Ireland, in Dublin, and crushing France 44-8 at Twickenham.

With just two countries able to land a Grand Slam in World Cup year, the coach who guided England to the Webb Ellis Trophy in 2003, has pinpointed the key battles Jones must focus on.

Writing in the Daily Mail, Woodward said: “Yes, England are playing in Cardiff, but if they have aspirations of going to Japan and beating New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and the others on neutral ground then they must go to Cardiff and win. They must put Wales away.

“I would try to wind up Warren Gatland this week ahead of the game.

“Nothing nasty, but just try to get a reaction from their camp. I prided myself on trying to get on the front foot against opposition coaches, and not just cop it as the England coach.

“I would definitely bring up the fact that Gatland said that if Wales win their opening game against France then they win the tournament.

“Also, make a point of saying you’re surprised about one selection even if you’re not. You don’t want to wind them up too much, but a little to push their buttons is good.”

Woodward went on to label the Principality Stadium ‘the ultimate place’ to play rugby, putting it above Twickenham, Eden Park and Ellis Park in his estimations.

He instructed the players to embrace the challenge of playing in Cardiff and urged them to silence the Welsh crowd as soon as possible, with England proving fast starters in their last five Tests with a try in the opening three minutes.

He added: “Can we silence a home crowd by the sheer quality of our rugby?

“England did it in Dublin and if they can do it in Cardiff and win they almost become favourites to win the World Cup – that’s how big this is.”