Filed under: Rugby Union, Rugby World Cup, England Rugby, Wales Rugby
FRIENDLY INTERNATIONAL, MILLENNIUM STADIUM, 13 AUGUST 2011. KICK-OFF 1430 BSTThe term 'last chance saloon' is over-used in sport but in this instance, there is more than a grain of truth to it as the hopefuls from both England and Wales grab their final opportunities to impress manager Martin Johnson and Warren Gatland respectively.
Both coaches will name their squads to travel to New Zealand by August 22, which will mean 30 happy men in each camp - and at least 10 disappointed ones.
While the result may be important to fans, as it is with all Wales-England clashes, for the players making it through done something worthy of inclusion - and without major injury - will be at the forefront of their minds.
Johnson has made 13 changes to his starting line-up from the win at Twickenham last week, while Gatland, whose men have a game against Argentina before the cut-off date, has been more consistent with his selection with four changes - with Gavin Henson the highest-profile addition to the first XV.
The England manager is most pleased to see lock Courtney Lawes back from a neck injury sustained in a training match and he said: "He's probably the most athletic second row I've seen in terms of pace round the field. He gives you some real line-speed, he can hit very hard and he carries the ball very well. He's a pretty instinctive rugby player as well."
Gatland, meanwhile, still has a lengthy injury list and he admits much of his selection is through necessity rather than a wish to keep with the same line-up.
He said: "We've told the players that for us to be regarded as contenders at the Rugby World Cup we need to beat England at home this weekend, to send out that message to everyone that we are contenders."
MEN TO WATCH:
Chris Ashton (England): The winger, who is an injury doubt, has not scored in three England games and is raring to go against Wales, having sat out last week's fixture. A certainty for the World Cup, he will still want to impress.
Henson (Wales): Who else? In his first game against England in over two years, he has much to prove. And if he makes it to the World Cup then he will either be considered to have something over Gatland or, possibly, still be a good player.
THE BREAKDOWN:
THE FORWARDS: While Alex Corbisiero is the only forward to remain following last week, Wales have stuck with much of the pack from the Twickanham loss, after Gatland complained they did not perform as well as he would have liked.
Edge: England
THE BACKS: It is fy-half Toby Flood's chance to shine - and he is in front of centres Mike Tindall and Shontayne Hape, which are a lot less nimble than last week's pairing of Riki Flutey and Manu Tuilagi. Henson has a lot to prove at No.12 for Wales.
Edge: Wales
THE BENCH:
Most of England's back-ups started last week, so will be wanting to finish the job. Wales have a lot less experience to call on.
Edge: England
THE COACHING:
Johnson's warm-up campaign has been a walk in the park compared to Gatland's. If England win on Saturday look for the expression approaching serenity on the former lock's face.
Edge: England
FanHouse predicts: England by three
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