Really looking forward to this one, and I'm genuinely confident that Wales can go to HQ and win! I'm not saying they definitely will, but I think this side is good enough to do so. I know some will think I'm nuts to think that off the back of one game v's a poor Scotland, but I just do.
Looking at the units head to heads:
Front row - Not much between the two, although I'd have Ken Owens over Heartley every day of the week. Both sets of props are impressive, with Wales possibly having a slight edge in the scrum, but Cole having an edge over Samson in the loose.
Second row - England take this one. I really rate all four of England's leading locks. AWJ is still going strong, so he'll cancel out one; but Hill despite a great game last week, is below Launch, Lawes and Itoje.
Backrow - I think Wales hold the edge here, especially on the flanks. I'm expecting Simmonds to go well again, with a good battle between him and Moriarty.
Halfbacks - Again, I'd take the Welsh halfbacks over England's, but will admit Ford is a classy player. I do think that Davies and Patchell hold the keys to whether Wales triumph. Both have so many strings to their bows, and both are dangerous as hell ball in hand. Patchell is similar to Ford in the way he puts others around him into space, but he's got the advantage of being 6'2" with a great turn of pace, so he can threaten the line himself in more ways than Ford can.
Centres - Not much in this either, but England probably have the edge going into the game due to Farrell's experience and combination with Ford. I'd be more worried if England select Joseph, because he's got the pace to hurt us. Parkes has taken to international rugby very well, and I don't see him struggling here. Like Farrell, he's the steadying influence who plays what's in front of him. Williams struggles with consistency, but he's in form atm.
Back three - England have the edge here, especially if they move Watson back to fullback and bring Nowell onto the wing. Lots of pace, and Watson is just an exceptional player. Halfpenny still isn't a counter attacking threat, but he is rock solid at the back, probably the best positional fullback in world rugby. Adams has the potential, and he'll be used to playing against the English players, but this is another massive step-up for him. What Wales did well v Scotland was to drop Patchell back in defense to offer the counter attacking threat. Steff Evans is possibly the player England will fear most, he's just a devastating attacking player. If he get's plenty of touches, he should cause England problems.
Bench - Plenty of impact from both benches with England able to bring George on at hooker for example. But imo Wales hold a couple of potential aces in Tipuric and North. Both will be desperate to force their way back into the starting lineup, and both are world class on their day.
What does all that mean? Bugger all probably!
Have to give it to Sexton though, what a kick that was!
