by James Dodd
WALES kicking coach Neil Jenkins thinks his side will give it everything as they try to repeat their Triple Crown success in 2019.
After two hard fought wins over Ireland and Scotland, Wales will be hoping to again lift the mood in the country.
“We understand what’s going on in the world, we understand what’s going on outside. We see it as a duty that we turn up and perform tomorrow,” said Jenkins.
“We’re going to do our utmost to try and win the game and if we didn’t quite come out on the right side, I’m sure it won’t be through lack of effort.
“The boys will be emptying the tank tomorrow, as we all will, trying to make the nation proud of us.”
The 49-year-old knows what it is like to face the old enemy.
He made his debut against England in 1991, as well as converting Scott Gibbs’ famous try in 1999 at Wembley, a match Wales eventually won 32-31.
Despite no longer being involved on the pitch, Jenkins still feels the pressure.
“I’ve been nervous all week, I’m not going to lie to you,” he said.
“We’ve been able to go down to the stadium a couple of times to do our kicking. The stadium alone brings nerves.
“The magnitude of the game itself brings that as well. It is nerves, but it’s excitement as well.
“It’s an opportunity to be involved as a member of the staff and the coaching side, but also to be able to watch this game from the side line tomorrow, which I have no doubt it’s going to be a pretty good test match.”
One player that has also played a big part in this fixture is George North.
The British and Irish Lion will make his 100th cap for his country on Saturday, starting at 13 with Jonathan Davies coming back into the side at 12.
Jenkins explained how big North has been in the success of the Welsh team in recent years.
“He’s just incredible. It’s scary to think, is he 28? Is that right? He has been going 10 years, pretty much.
“His first cap back against South Africa – two tries on his debut. He has been incredible as far as I’m concerned. Absolutely incredible.
“He has obviously had a few issues – the odd thing with concussion and stuff like that. So, how many caps he could actually have in this moment and time would be scary really, and how much rugby he has got left in him.
“He has been impressive for us for a long time, obviously on the wing generally. He has had the odd game in the centre, and he has moved there now for this Six Nations and obviously the latter stages of the Autumn.
“I’ve got nothing but praise for George, he’s a fantastic kid, good person and he has had an incredible career so far. I’d like to think he has got a lot more left in the tank yet. Let’s hope that’s the case.”
One position that Jenkins knows very well is fly-half.
He has been very impressed with the three players that have been competing for that famous jersey; Dan Biggar, Callum Sheedy, and Jarrod Evans.
Biggar has the honour of starting on Saturday, with Sheedy on the bench despite impressing against Scotland.
“It’s not just them – Jarrod as well. Jarrod’s a very good player,” said Jenkins.
“He’s been playing exceptionally well for the Blues, and obviously we’ve got a lot of experience with Dan. He has been there (and) done it.
“Callum, obviously again, he has been playing extremely well when he has been involved with us and obviously with Bristol as well.
“The more competition, the better. Not just the two that are involved tomorrow, but the three of them are going pretty hard at each other and that’s what we want really.
“I think they’re both trying to bring the best out of Dan.”
Wales face England at the Principality Stadium on Saturday – kick-off at 16:45.