After last year’s thrashing in Cardiff, Wales face an even tougher task in Twickenham
The historic rivalry between England and Wales at Twickenham on Saturday, , feels increasingly lopsided. While once a fiercely contested clash, the fixture now presents a stark contrast in form and expectation. England, riding an impressive 11-match winning streak, will be overwhelming favorites against a Welsh side grappling with on-field struggles and off-field turmoil.
The disparity is reflected in the predictions of those closely following the game. Alan Pearey, writer and chief sub at Rugby World, forecasts a 40-17 victory for England, noting Wales have finished within a score on their last four visits to Twickenham, but acknowledging the significant gulf in current performance. The recent heavy defeats inflicted on England – a 68-14 rout by England and a 73-0 loss to South Africa – underscore the low expectations surrounding the Welsh team.
Joseph Robinson, Editor of Rugby World, is even more decisive, predicting a 47-10 win for the hosts. He points to the broader issues plaguing Welsh rugby, impacting the national team’s performance. “The biggest game of the Six Nations no longer has the appeal it once had,” Robinson writes, highlighting the ongoing difficulties within the Welsh game.
Josh Graham, Deputy Editor of Rugby World, anticipates an even more dominant display from England, forecasting a 62-0 shutout. He emphasizes the imbalance in quality and experience, particularly on the benches, suggesting England’s depth will prove decisive.
Kick-off is scheduled for at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with a capacity of 82,000. The match will be broadcast live and free-to-air in the UK on ITV1 and ITVX, with coverage beginning at 3:45 PM GMT.
The head-to-head record between the two sides reveals a recent trend favoring England. In the 2025 Six Nations, England secured a commanding 68-14 victory in Cardiff. Prior to that, England won 16-14 in 2024, 20-10 in 2023, and 23-19 in 2022. Wales’ last victory in the series came in 2021, with a 40-24 win.
England’s team selection reflects their confidence, with a squad boasting a wealth of experience and talent. Wales, under new head coach Steve Tandy, will look to players like Louis Rees-Zammit, Tomos Williams, and Dafydd Jenkins to provide leadership and spark. However, the challenges facing the Welsh team extend beyond the pitch, with ongoing concerns about the future of the Ospreys adding to the pressure.
The contrast in team news is significant. England have named a strong starting lineup, with replacements including Lions players Maro Itoje, Tom Curry, and Marcus Smith, providing considerable firepower off the bench. Wales’ team selection includes a new position for Louis Rees-Zammit, and a 6-2 split on the bench, suggesting a focus on bolstering forward strength.
The weight of expectation firmly rests on England’s shoulders. Steve Borthwick’s side, currently on an 11-game winning run, will be aiming for a first Grand Slam in a decade. For Wales, the challenge is simply to avoid a third consecutive Wooden Spoon and begin to rebuild a program facing significant headwinds. The match at Twickenham represents not just a clash of rugby titans, but a reflection of the contrasting fortunes of two proud nations.
