Six Nations: England need floodgates to open

Updated 11.21 Fri Mar 16 2007
Keywords: England, Wales, Six Nations, rugby, sport

England's rugby stars will need the floodgates to open when they take on Wales in Cardiff if they are to pip Ireland and France to the RBS Six Nations Championship title.

The French go into the final round of matches knowing they will retain the crown as long as they at least match Ireland's result in Italy when they entertain Scotland.

France go into final round of matches knowing they will retain the crown as long as they at least match Ireland's result in Italy when they visit Scotland

But the world champions could still deny both of their title rivals if they can put wooden spoon favourites Wales to the sword, winning by a landslide at the Millennium Stadium.

For the first time one Guinness Premiership club, Wasps, will provide the entire England back row with James Haskell replacing the injured Harlequins forward Nick Easter alongside Tom Rees and Joe Worsley.

But fly-half Toby Flood, who contributed 16 points as England ended France's Grand Slam hopes last Sunday, believes Brian Ashton's men must focus on getting the basics right as they chase their first win away from Twickenham in 13 months.

Flood said: "We will have to do the basics well, do the hard yards. I love playing the style of rugby that Brian Ashton wants us to play. I've always enjoyed playing that way, so it's something I am used to and confident with. Obviously, though, there is a time and place for it."

Wales will be hoping to cause a surprise and avoid a second wooden spoon in four years, but England hooker George Chuter is wary of a possible backlash.

Chuter said: "They (Wales) will be getting it left, right and centre from the Welsh press, who are very passionate about their rugby, and they will come out there on Saturday with a point to prove.

"It is backs to the wall - they will come out fighting - and it is going to be a tough game. With Wales having a bit of fear about it, that makes it an even tougher occasion.

"Compared with our results in the autumn, we have already done very well, but we have had three wins at home and we know we have got to test ourselves away from home."

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