England’s mind games don’t bother us – Jenks

WALES have dismissed Eddie Jones’ mind games ahead of the huge Six Nations showdown with England, but admit there will be plenty of anger in the days leading up to kick-off.

The England boss threw down the gauntlet by claiming he isn’t worried about a so-called Cardiff fortress and provoked Warren Gatland’s side by maintaining it was the best Welsh team in history.

But the Welsh management insist they are not the slightest bit perturbed by anything Jones has to say ahead of the big game at the Principality Stadium and maintain actions will speak louder than words when the two teams take to the pitch a week on Saturday.

Wales feel they can go up several gears despite having already notched up away wins over France and Italy, and hope to unleash the full force on the Six Nations favourites.

Asked about Jones’ comments, Wales kicking guru and former record points-scorer Neil Jenkins said: “I’m not concerned about what he says. It’s up to Eddie what he says. He’s got an opinion and he’s entitled to that.

“It might not be intimidating for England. They’ve won the last few times they’ve played there, so it’s probably not a fortress for them. Maybe he’s right in what he’s saying.

“It’s what it is. I’m sure there’s a lot of anger that will be thrown out between now and the game.

“I’m sure Eddie will throw some as well. He’s a fantastic coach, has done a fantastic job with England and has done well throughout his career.

“It’s Wales v England – it doesn’t get any better than that for us. When the All Blacks come to town that’s a humongous game and this can be on a par.”

Former outside-half Jenkins admitted Wales would attempt to get under England’s skin.

“That’s the game. There are going to be times when you get tested during a game, particularly at the level we’re playing at,” he said.

“You don’t go through a game where it’s all hunky-dory and the opposition don’t fire a shot.

“At some point, the opposition are going to come at you and there is no doubt England will come at us.

“We have to be ready for that. Whether you can get under their skin or upset them I’m not too sure, but we need to upset them by playing better rugby than them.

“We can only look at what is next in line and that’s England. We haven’t really fired a shot yet.

“It’s a game I’ve no doubt we’ll be ready for. For a Welshman it’s not far off being the be-all and end-all type of game.

“Emotions are pretty high at the moment and we are still a week and a half away from the game. We are under no illusions about what’s coming. We know we need to play better than we have in the two games we’ve played so far.

“I’d like to think, given what this game brings, that will look after itself come a week Saturday and kick-off time.”

■