Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Wales need ‘no-fear’ approach to England
ALEX King believes Wales need to have a “no-fear” approach when they face England at Twickenham on Saturday.
Wales last toppled their fierce rivals in a Six Nations game on English soil 12 years ago.
Wales will head to south west London after coming unstuck against Scotland.
England, meanwhile, were pushed hard by Italy in Rome before recording a 27-24 win after trailing at half-time and being outscored on tries.
“They (England) have got a decent team – finishing third at the World Cup is testament to that,” Wales assistant coach and former Wasps fly-half King said.
“I think we need to show a no-fear game going down there, and put the pressure back on them.
“We’ve just got to take the game to England. We can’t wait for them to see what they do, especially with 70,000 people shouting for them.
“We have got to present ourselves as we want to play, and not wait to see what England can do before we start responding.
“It is important to show the lads that England are a good team, but they are not unbeatable. That is the reality.
“They have obviously got good players and they are well-coached, but Twickenham is just another stadium. I am looking forward to going back there. I’ve got my Welsh hat firmly on there.
“Like every team, they have got their weaknesses. It is up to us to exploit them on Saturday.”
Wales boss Warren Gatland, meanwhile, will have to make at least one change from the Scotland match as flanker James Botham has been released from the squad due to a knee injury.
Botham, who is the grandson of England cricket great Sir Ian Botham and scored Wales’ opening try against Scotland, will rehabilitate at his club Cardiff.
Botham’s Cardiff colleague Seb Davies has been added to the squad, while experienced Harlequins prop Dillon Lewis also gains a call-up.