Six Nations: England aim to plot route to unlikely title win

If it is uncharacteristic for this coach, it is not in keeping with the fixture either.

The vision of 18-year-old Mathew Tait being slung under Gavin Henson’s arm in 2005 lingers. The Principality has rarely been the place for England to experiment or christen new talent.

But, while the usual city-centre storm will brew up for England’s arrival, this trip to Cardiff is unique.

Victory is everything, but also not quite enough.

The Six Nations title permutations are complex. Given France’s vast points difference advantage, England need France to fail to win against Scotland in Saturday’s final game.

If they do, an England victory of any kind over Wales would likely take them ahead of Fabien Galthie’s men.

A four-try bonus point is more likely to be needed however to stay ahead of Ireland, who lurk in third and play Italy earlier in the day.

So, England, with a mobile back row of Earl and Tom and Ben Curry, feel the need for speed if they are to finish as Six Nations top guns.

“The thing you are seeing around the park is speed wins,” said Earl in the week. “We are talking a lot about moving the ball, being aggressive, outworking teams. Our players buy into that.”

With Pollock, Chandler Cunningham-South and Tom Willis on the bench, a complete recharge of the back row maybe possible to keep the needle high and the scoreboard ticking over in the second half.

However Wales will relish the chance to stick a spanner in the spokes and puncture such title pretensions.

In Jac Morgan, they might have the player of the championship.

As Wales have racked up the losses – 16 straight and counting – he has raged bright.

He has made 73 tackles so far in the Championship – six more than any other player and only 12 short of Justin Tipuric’s 2007 record for a Welshman in a Six Nations campaign.