What each side will want to gain
A win for Wales
England were one forward pass away from hitting 40 points last weekend and a 33-19 defeat undoubtedly hoovered up some of the optimism generated by Wales’s 14-Test unbeaten run. Warren Gatland has spoken of redemption this week.
That might seem like a grand theme for a warm-up match, but another loss in Cardiff – with home-and-away games against Ireland to come before they leave for Japan – would hurt Wales.
As their head coach often points out, they thrive on momentum. Australia’s Bledisloe Cup victory in Perth and the intimidating talent in Fiji’s squad, plus some stunning tries during the Pacific Nations Cup, demonstrate that Wales must be extremely sharp to avoid a pool-stage exit at the World Cup.
As much as the ever-changing world rankings feel meaningless on the eve of a global tournament, any win will do for the hosts.
Slicker phase play
In the absence of Gareth Anscombe, Wales need Dan Biggar to replicate his assertive performances for Northampton last season. On the whole, their phase-play attack was clunky and predictable at Twickenham.
England lined up a number of two-man tackles. However, Liam Williams, Jonathan Davies and George North posed constant threats, especially on the end of deeper, sweeping passing movements. To feed that trio in the 15-metre channels, Wales need distributors to step up.
As for England, their punchy approach showed promise and gave Jonathan Joseph, Piers Francis and Elliot Daly space to operate in a second wave.
The visitors will be keen for Maro Itoje, Joe Launchbury, Luke Cowan-dickie, Courtney Lawes and Lewis Ludlam to share Billy Vunipola’s (right) carrying load.
Close-quarter passing between heavy men helped unbalance and overwhelm Wales on the gain line. There was clearly a policy to attempt offloads as well. While two of them led to turnovers, they should be encouraged too.
Accuracy on the floor
Wales struggled to slow their opponents’ ruck speed. England lost just one of their 77 breakdowns in possession.
Referee Mathieu Raynal allowed jackallers to contest if the first supporting attacker went to ground. Wales open side James Davies will enjoy a remit to spoil and scavenge. Another French official, Pascal Gauzere, should allow him to push the boundaries.
Avoid self-inflicted lulls
A chief aim for Eddie Jones is that England navigate any “sticky patches” that arise. Ill-discipline gave Wales a foothold last time, with a needless offside offence from Cowan-dickie beginning a passage that brought a flurry of penalties and two Wales tries.
A botched line-out before half-time was Wales’s most costly concentration lapse. Superb solo try aside, Gareth Davies could have been slicker.
Smooth replacements
Taulupe Faletau’s collarbone issue means versatile, tough Josh Navidi has become a key man for Wales. He is among the replacements, as is potential World Cup wild card Jarrod Evans. The fly-half possesses lively footwork and acceleration.
Jones has seven British and Irish Lions on his bench. Kyle Sinckler’s return to the Principality will not be quiet, while Owen Farrell and Jamie George also appear for the first time this season. With Tom Curry, Sam Underhill and Mark Wilson all suffering from niggles, Jack Singleton covers the back row as a “utility forward”.
Although it feels risky to put all three hookers in the firing line, England’s four-day turnaround between pool fixtures against Tonga and US could mean all hands to the pump for the squad.
Clean bills of health
Both teams need their players battle-hardened to hit the ground running in Japan. Still, certain positions, most notably Welsh fly-half and back-row stocks, look very thin. The loss of more influential players – Vunipola for England, Jonathan Davies or Alun Wyn Jones for Wales – would require a drastic re-evaluation for their respective head coaches.