KYRAN BRACKEN’S PRE-MATCH VIEW
SO FAR, SO GOOD
England coach Stuart Lancaster should be very happy with his two wins so far because those opening games were banana skins. One loss would have been a disaster, no matter how they had played. There’s been criticism of their style but it’s a new team; they’ve only had a few weeks to come together and learn plays. I think he’ll be extremely happy but he knows the Six Nations for England begins tomorrow against Wales.
WARBURTON IS A WORRY
The odds are probably stacked 60/40 against England but on our day, with Owen Farrell kicking penalties, anything can happen. Wales captain Sam Warburton’s return is a concern. We will need to concentrate on the breakdown and delivery of quick ball, because it could be a problem for us and will be a crucial factor in this match. If England can have parity in that respect then they have a chance, otherwise Wales will play the game they like to play.
SELECTION WILL UNNERVE WALES
I think Lancaster is right to make changes to the team. You have to keep players on their toes and he’s picking them on form. He’s had a stroke of luck with Charlie Hodgson’s injury; there was no obvious reason to drop him but even if he had been fit I think it would have been the right thing to do. No disrespect to Hodgson, but now you’ve got probably the best 10, 12 and 13, as well as players who can come on and make a difference, like Toby Flood. Courtney Lawes can play second row or back row, while Ben Youngs is a very good impact player. I think Wales will be nervous after seeing this selection.
England are facing a very good side who know how to control the tempo. Now we have got strike power and it will be vital. We need match-winners and I think, with Manu Tuilagi back, we have one.
THROW CAUTION TO THE WIND
England have to change to win this game. They have to throw a bit of caution to the wind, rather than trying to stop Wales playing and looking for penalties. In the cold light of day everyone wants to see a win, but after the last two games unless we see something from the England attack it will be a disappointment regardless of the result. We need to keep hold of the ball more and hurt them with anything. That’s the way Wales play and that’s what I hope England will do.
Kyran Bracken was speaking courtesy of GamePlan Solutions: Managing high profile and popular sport stars; speakers, leaders, motivators, ambassadors www.gameplansolutions.co.uk