1
Both England and Wales got their Guinness Six Nations campaigns back on track in round two after disappointing openings to the Championship.
ADVERTISEMENT
A late Dan Biggar drop goal guided Wales to a narrow win over Scotland in Cardiff, while England kept Italy scoreless in Rome with a 33-0 win. Come Saturday night though, at least one of these sides will have their hopes of challenging for the Six Nations completely vanquished.
Both sides have been boosted by the returns of some of their biggest stars who were missing in rounds one and two. Eddie Jones will relish the return of Manu Tuilagi and Courtney Lawes, while Taulupe Faletau will be a major boost for Wayne Pivac.
When, where and how to watch the match
The match will kick-off at 16:45 (UK) on Saturday February 26th at Twickenham and will be broadcast live on ITV in the UK and S4C in Wales, RTÉ in Ireland, Stan Sport in Australia and SuperSport in South Africa.
Head-to-head
Since their first meeting in 1881, these two nations have faced each other 137 times, with England marginally leading the series by 65 wins to Wales’ 60, with twelve draws. England also have a better record over their last ten encounters, winning seven and losing three, although Wales won their last match-up in last year’s Championship. Saturday’s visitors have not won at Twickenham since their memorable 2015 Rugby World Cup pool stage win.
Match odds from bet365
bet365 have the handicap on England at +14, with 5/1 odds that Wales win. There are also 9/4 odds that England win by a margin of 11-20 points.
Six Nations Early Payout Offer with bet365*
Single bets paid out as winners, if the team you back goes 15 points ahead – for multiple bets the selection will be marked as a winner.
Only available to new and eligible customers. Bet restrictions and T&Cs apply. 18+ BeGambleAware.org
ADVERTISEMENT
Prediction
Former England fullback Mike Brown did not hold back in his criticism of the Welsh squad in the MailOnline this week, and seems supremely confident of England’s chances.
“Based on what I’ve seen of Wales in the opening two rounds, they don’t have a single player who would get into the England XV right now,” the 72-cap international said.
“Josh Adams has the strongest case, but only because England have been playing a centre and full-back on the wings. People will say ‘what about Louis Rees-Zammit?’ but I would rather have Adam Radwan if you want speed.
“This Wales team isn’t anywhere near the quality of some of their recent line-ups and England should beat them comfortably at Twickenham. If Joe Launchbury comes back at lock with Courtney Lawes on the flank, I can’t see Wales matching their physicality in the pack. If England can play with tempo and move the ball to the wide channels, they should cause all manner of problems. Manu Tuilagi is back and that makes England a different beast. It could be close to their best back-line.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Wales is the game that you always want to win. The rivalry is massive and you get absolutely hammered if you lose.”
*Odds accurate as of 22/02/22.
