I don't think I coached a game against Wales of this magnitude in my time, where everything is on the line.
We had some big games, but it was never like this and we often won comfortably. I only lost once to Wales, that infamous 1999 defeat at Wembley, and never lost in Cardiff.
This is a different Welsh side now though, so heading into the week of this huge Six Nations game on Saturday here are my tips to Eddie Jones and England for the build-up.
The Wales team celebrate a famous 32-31 win over England at Wembley in 1999
UP THE ANTE
Given the quality of the England team and the performances in the opening two games, my strategy would be to really build this up.
Yes England are playing in Cardiff, but if they have aspirations of going to Japan and beating New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and the others on neutral ground then they must go to Cardiff and win. They must put Wales away.
I would make that very clear to my team as you have to find out how these guys handle the pressure. It’s always easier to be tough on your players when you’re playing well and winning.
I would not back off it. Let’s face it, Eddie only has one goal for 2019 — it is not to win a Grand Slam, but to lift the Webb Ellis Cup in Japan in November, so it is all about that.
Aside from replacing injured players I would keep the same starting side. He has to learn about his team now.
THROW VERBAL GRENADES
I would try to wind up Warren Gatland this week ahead of the game. I used to love doing that with Eddie Jones before games against Australia as there would always be a response.
Nothing nasty, but just try to get a reaction from their camp. I prided myself on trying to get on the front foot against opposition coaches, and not just cop it as the England coach.
I would definitely bring up the fact that Gatland said that if Wales win their opening game against France then they win the tournament. They are obviously favourites because Warren thinks the game is already won,’ or ‘they had their Grand Slam game in Paris,’ things like that. Also, make a point of saying you’re surprised about one selection even if you’re not. You don’t want to wind them up too much, but a little to push their buttons is good.
With Jones and John Mitchell against Gatland, Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley
