RBS Six Nations Championship 2005

Wales vs. England

And so it all begins again! England take on the Welsh Dragon.

The stage is once again set for England's opener in the 2005 RBS Six Nations Championship. The proud nation of Wales, will take on England reigning World Cup Champions this weekend in Cardiff's superb Millennium Stadium.

Much has been talked about of England's strength in depth over the last couple of years and now we are about to find out if this is really true. As over the past year and a bit, the World Champions England have hardly set the world alight! In fact, apart from the good showing in the Autumn Internationals, they have been lack-luster and poor considering their World Champion status. Albeit we have had a whole host of retirements, injuries and management changes. However, the previous champions Australia managed to ride through these types of problems and still produce the goods. This may sound a bit harsh but I think it is time for Team England and the management to wake up and really start producing that winning formula again.

There is no doubt that England have had a problems this year with injuries but our strength in depth it would seem, is to call on 18 year old Mathew Tait. Mathew's first cap will be as a result of England's midfield injury crisis with Mike Tindall, Will Greenwood and Stuart Abbott all out injured. Now I have no doubt of Mathew's ability: as a Falcon supporter I have watched him develop into an outstanding player. However what has happened to our strength in depth, have we been kidding ourselves. I hope not!

England's Head Coach Andy Robinson has put down a marker, and a big one. He has been forced into blooding young players even though under ideal circumstances he would have preferred to wait a bit longer. He does however, seems confident saying:

"I have never been afraid to select young talented players if they are ready."

Jonny Wilkinson was ready at the tender age of 18 (which now seems like years and years ago) and I am sure that Matthew Tait will also be ready. He has been gathering all the tips from Wilkinson about what to expect (the dressing room protocol, the media etc...). With his mentor guiding him I have no doubt that he will be ready for the biggest match of his young career on Saturday at Cardiff. Unofficial England Rugby would like to wish Matthew and all the England players the very best of luck for this Six Nations. Come on Boys!

Wales are a very talented side and have new confidence from some excellent performances in the autumn as well as also having some good young players coming through. One player to watch out for though is Gareth Thomas who is playing wonderful rugby at the moment. No doubt about it, the Welsh Dragon will be up for this match big time and will be looking for England scalp.

Picture copyright of Claire

Wales: G Thomas (Toulouse, Captain); Luscombe (Newport Gwent Dragons), Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), Henson (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), S Williams (Neath-Swansea Ospreys); S Jones (Clermont Auvergne), Peel (Llanelli Scarlets); Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Davies (Gloucester), A Jones (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), Cockbain (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), Sidoli (Cardiff Blues), D Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), Owen (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: McBryde (Llanelli Scarlets), Yapp (Cardiff Blues), J Thomas (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), R Jones (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), Cooper (Newport Gwent Dragons), Sweeney (Newport Gwent Dragons), Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons).

England: Robinson (Sale Sharks, Captain); Cueto (Sale Sharks), Tait (Newcastle), Noon (Newcastle), Lewsey (Wasps); Hodgson (Sale Sharks), Dawson (Wasps); Rowntree (Leicester), Thompson (Northampton), White (Leicester), Grewcock (Bath), Kay (Leicester),  Jones (Sharks), Hazell (Gloucester), Worsley (Wasps).

Replacements: Titterrell (Sale Sharks), Vickery (Gloucester), Borthwick (Bath), Forrester (Gloucester), Ellis (Leicester), Barkley (Bath), Cohen (Northampton).

and so we enter a new era with my usual cry...............

And you, good yeoman,
Whose limbs were made in England, show us here
The mettle of your pasture; let us swear
That you are worth your breeding; which I doubt not;
For there is none of you so mean and base,
That hath not noble lustre in your eyes.
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start. The game's afoot:
Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!'

Henry V (1599) Act3, Scene1

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS

• Think you know your sport? Click here to try the Sportnetwork Prize Quizzes