Sam Warburton believes that Wales could finally end their winless run when they tackle England at the Principality Stadium in the final round of the Six Nations.
The legendary former Wales and British & Irish Lions flanker has been mightily impressed by the improved performances since Matt Sherratt took over the reins following Warren Gatland’s dismissal.
However, Wales still haven’t found a winning formula and head into the last match of the Championship on a 16-game losing streak in international rugby.
Wales rediscover their confidence
Still, Warburton feels that could change this weekend as Sherratt has proved that Wales do have the players to compete at the highest level after providing them with a “clear plan and a whole heap of confidence.”
He believes that the emotional drive of playing in Cardiff and denying England a shot at the title will be a crucial factor in Wales’ performance and could result in a “historic victory.”
“I genuinely think we could see an historic Wales victory. If this game were being played at Twickenham I would probably expect England to win by 14 points, but not in Cardiff, with all the emotional impact the fans can have,” Warburton wrote in his Times column.
“I always say that as an international rugby player there are only two or three occasions a year when you can reach peak levels of emotion.
“For the Wales players the Ireland match was one such occasion, and they didn’t reach those levels against Scotland, particularly in the first half, but this could be one where they soar even higher in terms of that emotional arousal.
“Wales surprised everyone — myself included — with the level of physicality that they brought against Ireland and they need to at least repeat that on Saturday.”
If Wales are able to match their efforts against Ireland when they face Steve Borthwick’s men on Saturday, Warburton feels that it could force England into kicking aimlessly, something they have been guilty of in recent times.
Stalling England’s attack
Borthwick’s selections point to a kick-heavy strategy with Tom Roebuck coming into the starting XV in the place of Ollie Sleightholme, with the Sale star being an expert under the high ball. Additionally, the versatile Elliot Daly has been selected on the other wing, a position he thrived in under ex-head coach Eddie Jones.
“They can force England to go through the phases in attack, and that is not England’s strength,” Warburton continued.
“Often, after three or four phases, they can lose their shape quite quickly and become impatient and then kick the ball away rather aimlessly. So Wales need to be patient and disciplined in defence. They must just let England go through multiple phases.”
Turning his focus to Wales’ attack, Warburton hailed Sherratt for giving the team direction but warned the side from going too direct with England.
“Wales can trouble England in attack, as they did Ireland. With a defence like England’s you can maybe look to play really deep and spook the players into easing off, because they fear you are going to go outside them, but it is risky because you can get caught a long way behind the gainline,” he wrote.
“You can also tighten up your passes and go really physical, fighting fire with fire, using the blind side and carrying off number nine a lot, but I don’t think Wales have the power to do that.
“Or you can do what Sherratt is very good at: throw lots of numbers at the line, with two or three viable options, and pick a really late pass. On every two or three phases the defenders are going to pick the wrong man.”
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/sam-warburton-i-genuinely-think-we-could-see-an-historic-wales-victory
