Preview: England vs Wales
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Preview: England vs Wales
LADBROKES SPECIAL: Moneyback if Wales score first! Ladbrokes will refund losing First Tryscorer & 5 point winning margin bets as a free bet up to €25
England and Wales face off this Saturday in there biggest match up in years. For England, Stuart Lancaster has made his biggest call in his time as England boss. Owen Farrell and Sam Burgess come into the backline, George Ford who has held the 10 jersey for a year, has been dropped with Jonathan Joesph out injured. Billy Vunipola comes in for Ben Morgan, after impressing when he came off the bench against Fiji.
Wales boss Warren Gatland has had a few distractions in the week leading up to the game. Some unwanted injuries came after the Uruguay clash with Cory Allen being ruled out for the rest of the tournament. While Wales were also given a warning during the week for bringing outside players into train with the squad.
Last 5 meetings:
6 February 2015 Wales 16 – 21 England
9 March 2014 England 29 – 18 Wales
16 March 2013 Wales 30 – 3 England
25 February 2012 England 12 – 19 Wales
13 August 2011 Wales 19 – 9 England
Key man: Mike Brown. After his dazzling display against Fiji, Mike Brown proved how vital he is to this England side. He has become one of the more experienced players in this team and with the backline being asked so many questions, it is vital that he is on form for England.
Head to head: There are many match ups which look intriguing. Courtney Lawes and Alun Wyn Jones, the physical battle at 12 with Sam Burgess and Jamie Roberts but the key battle in this one is Owen Farrell and Dan Biggar. With both teams changing their game plan for this one, it is vital that these 10's stick to their game plan and try to get one up on one another.
One to watch: Hallam Amos. The Dragons winger has been given a dream chance to prove himself on the biggest stage as he replaces out of form Alex Cuthbert. Amos impressed in Wales' thrashing of Uruguay and deserves his shot at a chance against the old enemy.
BOD's prediction: England. At home England will edge it with a full Twickenham behind them but this promises to be the closest game between the 2 in years.
LADBROKES SPECIAL: Moneyback if Wales score first! Ladbrokes will refund losing First Tryscorer & 5 point winning margin bets as a free bet up to €25
