England are preparing for a challenging encounter in Cardiff as they gear up for their final Six Nations match this weekend. Lock Ollie Chessum remains mindful of the intense reception the team received from Welsh fans two years ago and believes it will serve as motivation for the squad when they face Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
Chessum, who played a key role in England’s dominant seven-try victory over Italy, emphasized the significance of the match and the unique atmosphere of playing in Cardiff. Reflecting on past experiences, he recalled how the team encountered hostility even before game day, with passionate Welsh supporters making their presence felt.
He recounted an incident during the team’s previous visit, where they were met with jeers and gestures from fans, including a young child. “The abuse from the Welsh fans is something that will live long in the memory,” he said. Despite the hostile environment, Chessum described Cardiff as one of the best away venues for a player and expressed excitement about the upcoming clash.
England enter the match on the back of three consecutive home victories against France, Scotland, and Italy, and they are eager to carry that momentum forward. Regardless of the outcome of France’s match against Scotland, England are focused on securing a strong finish to their campaign. Chessum acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that Wales would relish the opportunity to disrupt England’s title hopes.
“The nature of rugby is that one game can change everything,” he remarked. “For them, beating us would make up for the past 15 or 16 games. For us, failing to win would have the opposite effect. The magnitude of this game can’t be overlooked, which is why our sole focus is on Saturday.”
With Ollie Lawrence ruled out due to injury, England have been considering their options for the team lineup. Retaining Elliot Daly at outside centre appears to be the most straightforward solution. Chessum stressed that England’s approach would be to attack Wales with intent, aiming to conclude the tournament on a high note.
He acknowledged the importance of leaving a lasting impression at the end of a campaign, stating that the final performance often defines public perception. “We want to finish this tournament on a high, and Cardiff provides a great stage to do that. If things don’t go our way, it would leave a bitter taste, which is why we are preparing to avoid that outcome.”
Meanwhile, concerns regarding the governance of English rugby have resurfaced, with calls for an independent review into the management of the Rugby Football Union. Issues such as financial instability among top clubs and controversy over executive pay have prompted demands for greater oversight. One MP emphasized the need for government intervention, warning that failure to address governance issues could jeopardize the future of the sport.
