England wary of backlash

Wales v England Cardiff Today, 5.30For those Welsh rugby fans seeking an omen, Clive Woodward's press conference yesterday was in a hotel suite named after the author Roald Dahl, creator of Tales of the Unexpected. The reality, sadly, is that Wales performed more like a reclining Sophie Dahl in Rome last weekend and worse could lie in store this evening.

It is now 10 years since England lost in Cardiff and Woodward's relaxed demeanour emphasises how much times have changed since the days when his compatriots would cross the border braced for their own ritual slaughter.

"I can't even contemplate driving over that bridge without having won this game," said Woodward, echoing the feelings of his entire squad.

England, though, are not arrogant enough to imagine the first 20 minutes will be as fruitful as two years ago, when they had two tries after 15 minutes and cruised to a 44-15 win. With the Welsh game's future up for debate in tomorrow's extraordinary general meeting of the Welsh Rugby Union, it is inconceivable the much-changed home team will play as limply as they did against Italy. Steve Hansen has been stressing as much all week.

Apart from restoring Jonathan Humphreys as hooker and captain, Wales's coach has also been banging the psychological drum.

"Everyone has written us off and that's when an animal is at its most dangerous," he said, describing the past few days as the most stimulating of his coaching career. "Who better to play at home when your backs are against the wall than England?" He made a swift exit before anyone could shout: "Spain!"

Much will depend on how Ceri Sweeney, the 23-year-old Pontypridd outhalf, copes on his first full appearance and Wales's best bet is to try to do what Italy did to them. Hustling England out of their stride early on and a refusal to take a backward step for the entire 80 minutes are the minimum requirements. And Woodward has not forgotten the promise shown by Hansen's team against New Zealand in the autumn.

"Sport is about tomorrow, not last week," cautioned England's head coach, a firm believer Italy at home are not to be underestimated. "The Welsh team is in a bit of a corner and can only go one way. We're expecting a very physical, full-on assault. If Wales play with the passion I know they're capable of, England have got to be at their best."

And if passion is Wales's weapon, England do not quite have the power in reserve they would like. Woodward has indicated he would be "very surprised" if Jason Leonard, Phil Vickery or Julian White was fit to play in any of the remaining Six Nations games, which leaves a load of responsibility with the 21-year-old Robbie Morris, making his debut at tight-head prop.

While England have enough strength elsewhere, notably in the lineout and the goalkicking of Jonny Wilkinson, to dig themselves out of any trouble, the pace and control they crave will be harder to come by without a secure scrum. If Morris struggles and Graham Rowntree joins the casualty list, there could be repercussions for England's grand slam chances next month. But today's most likely scenario is an away win by 20 points or more.