If all goes well for England, around half past nine on Saturday they will be preparing to board the team bus and head back to the stadium. They will have settled at their hotel a couple of miles away in Cardiff Bay, but if they have done their part against Wales and Scotland appears poised to do them a favor, England is set to return to the Principality Stadium just after 10pm for a possible trophy presentation.
A replica trophy will be in Cardiff, as the real one is in Paris given France’s status as favorites. However, broadcasters and sponsors want their moment, meaning England must be ready, even in an empty stadium. This scenario could prove awkward if France secures a late victory over Scotland, leaving England waiting in vain. In that case, they would be all dressed up with nowhere to go.
England must be ruthless against Wales, setting the foundation for future performances. Achieving a bonus-point win is likely necessary to stay in contention, a feat they have not accomplished in Cardiff since 2001. If successful, England can view the championship as genuine progress. Winning four out of five matches would align with expectations and provide optimism for the autumn, the next opportunity to field a full-strength squad. Even if they fall short of the title, an emphatic victory would counter the perception that England is difficult to beat but uninspiring. Critics who have scrutinized their performances may be less vocal.
Before the tournament, England was on a seven-match losing streak against top-tier teams. Grinding out close victories against France and Scotland, followed by dominant wins over Italy and Wales, would indicate a positive trajectory. “I feel like we’ve been progressing for a little while now,” says the captain. “I feel like we’re starting to turn a corner and build.”
Defeat, however, would be a significant setback. It would grant Wales their first win in 17 matches and reignite doubts about England’s ability to perform under pressure. While not as catastrophic as their 30-3 loss in 2013, when they were chasing a grand slam, it would still be demoralizing and potentially damaging for players hoping to make the British & Irish Lions squad. A three-win finish would match last year’s result, making progress harder to identify, and narrow victories would appear more fortunate than deserved. Increased scrutiny would fall on the Rugby Football Union leadership.
England faces a Wales team brimming with belief despite their struggles. Sixteen consecutive defeats and a drop to 12th in the world rankings should indicate a fragile side, yet confidence remains. The energy in Cardiff will be electric, from the streets to the stadium. The atmosphere, the closed roof, the anthem echoing through the rafters all elements that make Wales particularly dangerous when hosting England.
England’s emphasis this week has been on aggression, a theme reiterated by the captain. The selection reflects bold intent: the Curry twins to dominate the breakdown, Tom Roebuck and Elliot Daly providing aerial strength, Tommy Freeman shifting to midfield, and Marcus Smith reintroduced for creativity. George Ford’s presence on the bench suggests an all-out attacking approach if late tries are needed.
“It’s about being aggressive in how we play, in our mindset and mentality,” says the captain. “We are not here just to play pretty phases; we have to play with intent. At the same time, discipline and ruthlessness in decision-making are crucial.”
Ruthlessness is essential given England’s need for four tries, but so too is clarity of thought. Reflecting on a 40-24 loss in Cardiff in 2021, the captain acknowledges the need for rational decision-making. “You can have all the aggression in the world, but if you are not able to make rational decisions, it doesn’t really count for anything.”
The significance of Saturday’s result will be evident by the direction the team bus turns after the match.
