VIEW FROM ENGLAND: A hostile meeting with Wales is what England need

A hostile meeting with Wales gives England’s stars the perfect chance to prove themselves before the World Cup

• England and Wales will go head-to-head in a huge Rugby World Cup warm-up
• Steve Borthwick’s side will want to prove their identity in Cardiff on Saturday
• Ellis Genge has recognised the stakes are high for both sides in the clash 

Judgement Day for England’s World Cup wannabes promises to be a tense and hostile occasion in Cardiff, against a fired-up Wales side who are going through a similar, rushed transition.

After feeling the heat in gruelling training camps at home and abroad, players on both sides will experience the different discomfort of selection competition coming to a head in a hurry. 

The English contenders are further through that brutal process, knowing that this first August warm-up represents a first and final trial for the right to go to France next month for the global showpiece.

In front of an impressive crowd of more than 65,000 at the Principality Stadium, an old rivalry will resume with new sub-plots. While Wales are on a longer run-up to the confirmation of a World Cup squad, Steve Borthwick names his Red Rose 33 on Monday, so those on the fringes will use this not-so-friendly contest to stake their claim for inclusion.

For various individuals in the visitors’ ranks, the stakes are sky-high, as recognised by their captain for the day, Ellis Genge. He will be surrounded by men on a mission this evening and the prop wants to ensure that anxiety doesn’t spoil their auditions.

England head coach Steve Borthwick has prepared his players for a Rugby World Cup warm-up Test against Wales

England are going through the same brutal process of transition as Wales ahead of the World Cup but are further along

‘It would be naive not to address that,’ said the Bristolian, when asked about the need to help those who are playing for tournament places. ‘I was in that position four years ago. I know it’s a huge game for some people. I’ll be having a few quiet words with them over the next few days. I’ll try and share some advice; tell TP (Tom Pearson) to go out and do what he did week-in, week-out for his club. I’ll be there to support him if he needs me.’

So what about the collective objectives? These games are often seen as a balancing act between the quest for winning momentum and tactical cohesion. But Genge made clear that England are only thinking one way, saying: ‘That’s something we are going to nip in the bud. There’s no ambiguity around what we want to do; we want to go and win.

‘It is a Test match in Cardiff, so winning is the main objective. It is not about finding out what we are going to do in the future. We are going there to win, so that is our main goal. If you find a way to win in Cardiff, you’re probably going to be alright in most stadiums. We don’t want to reinvent the wheel and find this magic way of playing. We want to see what we have done over the last eight weeks come to fruition.’

The English rugby public will impatiently await signs of tactical shape and fluency, but asked what he expects in terms of Red Rose identity, Borthwick focused more on attitude. ‘What I want to see is a team of players who keep standing up time and time again – whatever the situation in the game and whatever is required – and work exceptionally hard to make other people look good,’ he said.

‘If we can build that; a team that just stays in the fight – that is integral. This team has got a lot of talent. What I need is to make sure they understand what is expected of being an England player.’

As for Wales, there is slightly more time for Warren Gatland to sift through his World Cup options; today, in the return fixture at Twickenham next week and against the Springboks in Cardiff on August 19. 

He has lost Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb to retirement, and Ken Owens to injury, so it is a time of urgent overhaul, with five uncapped players on duty today, including starting props Corey Domachowski and Kieron Assiratti.

There has been a mood shift since the disastrous Six Nations campaign, when the Kiwi head coach’s second stint suffered such a false start, amid defeats, strike threats and widespread turmoil. 

England’s Ellis Genge (middle with ball) will captain the visitors at the Principality Stadium

Genge (middle) admitted there is a need to help those who are playing for tournament places in the England camp ahead of the Rugby World Cup

Gatland is in typically bullish mode again and George North captured the sense of renewed purpose and optimism in the squad, saying: ‘It’s a much better place. Gats has put a real marker down, so there’s no grey area. The vibe is completely different.

‘After the Six Nations, we all took it very personally, and Gats took it on himself to make it right. He has been back playing his normal mind-games. He’s been around the boys, geeing them up – poking the bear. 

Borthwick (left) and Wales head coach Warren Gatland (right) will both be wanting to show their sides are ready for the Rugby World Cup

‘He knows exactly what he wants now, and has installed it in his coaches and then in us. Saturday will be a much different team compared to the Six Nations.’

It will be a celebratory event for Leigh Halfpenny, the veteran full-back who will reach an elusive century for his country. North’s admiration for his friend was warm and emphatic. 

‘We’ve been doing it together for 14 years, through thick and thin, in sickness and in health,’ he said. ‘I can’t think of a Welshman who deserves it more for his service to the country, with what he’s given for years in big moments where he’s stepped up and delivered for us.

‘He’s had a rough time with injuries and it’s kept him on 99 for long enough. But what a player. If any young players want to look up to anyone about how you should look after yourself on and off the field, then look at Leigh. I’m chuffed to take the field with him for his 100th cap.’

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