England v Wales: Rock-bottom visitors attempt to defy odds

Steve Tandy is the man attempting to mould something out of the mess.

The 46-year-old, who represented Neath and Ospreys – the tradition most under threat as the Welsh Rugby Union streamline their regional system – became Wales head coach in September.

His reputation was built on forging suffocating defences for teams to build from. Scotland and the British and Irish Lions have both benefited.

Leicester have too. Tandy came in for a short stint while Wigglesworth was coaching there.

“He seemed like a really good bloke and very switched on for what he did,” said Wigglesworth.

“I’ve always been really impressed with the teams he’s been involved in. All the coaches who have worked with him as well, speak highly of him – he’s a good coach.”

England have predicted that, as such, Tandy will attempt to level the pitch by taking to the skies.

Head coach Steve Borthwick suggested as many as 50 contestable kicks could be coming the way of his back three.

A lot of them would need to fall Wales’ way for the visitors to emerge victorious on Saturday, though.

If they do, it would rank as arguably the biggest shock in the fixture’s 145-year history.

If, more feasibly, England – with title aspirations – inflict another thrashing, those nip-tuck, nose-to-nose inferno finishes of years gone by would seem even more distant.

Damage limitation instead of dreams of victory occupy the minds of most Wales fans.

George says he has no fears over the long-term competitiveness of the rivalry.

“I don’t think it’ll be a problem,” he said.

“I think Wales are going to be a good team moving forward. I think they’re going to be a good team on Saturday.”

Good enough? By the high standards set by this match in the past? That still seems some way off.