LONDON, 2 February 2005 — A resurgent Wales head into their opening Six Nations match against England on Saturday with their most realistic chance in years of beating the world champions.
England, who have not lost in Cardiff since 1993 and lost only once more in 17 internationals since 1990, have been ravaged by injury and retirement since they won the world title in 2003.
Wales, meanwhile, who lost 10 successive internationals in that year, have built on the high-tempo attacking game that almost upset both New Zealand and England during the World Cup. They played impressively in narrow losses to the All Blacks (26-25) and South Africa (38-36) last November.
“It’s an enormous compliment,” said Wales coach Mike Ruddock when it was suggested his side could beat England in Cardiff on Feb. 5. “At the same time we try not to put too much pressure on the players.
“We tend to say to the guys ‘we have a way of playing the game that people are excited about and the guys enjoy playing. So all we can ask of you is to play that way to the best of your ability and be excited about it’.
“We feel if we encourage those traits and performance out of our team then we have more chance of winning the game rather than shackling them with pressure.”
Wales captain Gareth Thomas, who now plays in France with Toulouse, added his side were not going to get caught up in the hyperbole surrounding the match.
“A Wales-England clash is always big news for everybody but especially more so this match,” said Thomas. “Everyone is talking about England’s injuries and us coming off a good autumn.
“It’s important for the players to realize that the hype doesn’t control the match. What happens on the field is what matters.”
Wales will be without leading loose forwards Colin Charvis and Martyn Williams, who are both expected to be absent until at least the third round of matches on Feb. 26.
Ruddock, however, said he has no qualms about introducing some of the younger players who have progressed through the age groups into the side.
“We’re a small rugby playing nation with a very limited pool of players,” said Ruddock. “We’ve only got 18,000 registered players and four professional teams and limited top quality international players. “Having said that we think we are producing some excellent young players with the regional academies and under-21 teams.
“Coupled with the coaching they get in the regions and experience they get in the Celtic League we think the model is good for us and we should encourage it.
“There is (also) a great team spirit, camaraderie and great leadership provided by Gareth and a great desire to do well.
“So any new players coming into that fold will pick up on that and hopefully develop in that environment.”
