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Twickenham will play host to one of the biggest international rivalries in the world on Saturday, as Wales arrive to take on their nearest neighbours, England.
It has not been the most impressive start to England’s Six Nations campaign, but narrow victories over Italy and Scotland mean they sit second in the table.
However, in their opponents Wales they have the one side who sit above them in the table, level on points but with a superior point differential. They will certainly be no walk-overs.
Though the competition is still in its early days, the Welsh have really made their intentions known, first beating Ireland in a closely fought game away from home, before recording a convincing win over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium.
In Leigh Halfpenny they have the Six Nations’ leading point scorer (30), as well as Jonathan Davies who has already got two tries to his name.
England will be boosted, no doubt, by a recall for Leicester’s Manu Tuilagi, with head coach Stuart Lancaster insisting that he will play ‘some part’ in Saturday’s game.
The last time these two sides met was back in August in a World Cup warm-up game, with Wales running out 19-9 winners in Cardiff. Merely a few days before that the reverse fixture had been played at Twickenham with England coming out on top, 23-19.
When the two sides faced each other in the Six Nations last year, England recorded an impressive win, by 26 points to 19 away from home.
Match Odds
Recent form mean Wales go into this one as significant favourites. BoyleSports make them odds on to win the game at 1.67 (4/6).
However, one thing that could play in England’s favour is home advantage, having not lost at home to Wales since February 2008. Bet365make them 2.50 (6/4) outsiders, with the draw an unlikely outcome at 21.00 (20/1).
First Try Scorer
England’s Chris Ashton is the favourite with BetFred to open the try scoring at odds of 10.00 (9/1), while Wales’ George North is available at the same odds.
Paddy Power have Alex Cuthbert priced at 11.00 (10/1), while David Strettle is at 12.00 (11/1). Ben Foden, Leigh Halfpenny and Jonathan Davies each come in at 15.00 (14/1).
Recommended Bet
Indeed, with Leigh Halfpenny priced at 15.00 (14/1) to get the first try, it certainly makes for one of the most tempting bets of the game.
Being the competition’s highest point scorer so far, as well as having an equal number of tries to team mate Jonathan Davies, Halfpenny would appear to have a good chance of getting that first try.
At 15.00 (14/1), a tenner would bring in a total return of £150 if that were to happen.
