5 key talking points as England take on Wales in the Six Nations
The key topics of discussion heading into Saturday’s game at Twickenham.
England and Wales will resume their fierce rivalry on Saturday when the Guinness Six Nations continues at Twickenham.
Here, the PA news agency assesses some of the key talking points heading into the game.
Disruption must not distract England
England’s 2020 Six Nations campaign – at least for the time being – will stop on Saturday. After the coronavirus outbreak caused their final game against Italy in Rome next week to be postponed, they will wind things up with Wales’ visit to Twickenham. Off-field events will undoubtedly have proved unsettling, but England have previous experience of dealing with such unexpected situations following Typhoon Hagibis forcing their World Cup pool game against France last October to be scrapped. England went on to reach the final and this weekend will again be about staying concentrated on the job.
England fired up after Cardiff defeat
The odds are stacked against Wales
England farewell for Steve Borthwick
Are Wales asking a lot of Liam Williams and Josh Navidi?
Yes, is the simple answer. Their quality and experience is unquestioned, with Williams one of world rugby’s most exciting backs and number eight Navidi a breakdown specialist whose physical presence is always felt by opponents. Williams, though, has not played since Wales’ World Cup quarter-final victory over France on October 20, suffering an ankle injury during training just a few days later, while Navidi’s last competitive outing came eight weeks ago before a hamstring problem laid him low. Wales head coach Wayne Pivac feels that both players have enough training volume in them, declaring they are “ready to go.” Welsh fans will hope he is right.
