The last World Cup in Japan had been difficult for Wales to digest.
Barely beaten in the semifinals of the Japanese World Cup by the future Springboks world champion, the Welsh then had a disappointing year 2020.
Big blow less well: a fifth place in the last Tournament and a starving record of only three wins for ten defeats.
The year 2021 has started on a much better basis: an entry success against Ireland (21-16) then a victory snatched in Edinburgh against Scotland (24-25).
Return of flames.
»READ ALSO -
World Cup 2023: France-All Blacks opening and all the highlights of the calendar
Hot, after the game won at Murrayfield, coach Wayne Pivac was satisfied but kept his feet on the ground: “We are improving every week in certain areas of our game and we have shown a lot of personality.
However, we must not get excited but we must rely on it to build. ”
Saturday, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, it is a real test of growth that the XV of Leek passes against England.
Last year, the stainless Alun Wyn Jones and his teammates folded twice against the vice-world champions: first then at Twickenham in the Tournament (33-30), then at Llanelli on the occasion of the Autumn Cup of Nations (13-24).
England, "the team to beat"
The Welsh therefore have a revenge to take.
“We rehash what happened before but we have indeed moved on.
There is a Triple Crown at stake for us and it's exciting.
If we can perform well over 80 minutes… ”, thus planted Wayne Pivac before facing England, which he himself qualifies as“ a team to beat ”.
To validate the progress seen and put an end to the doubts of last year.
Along with France, Wales is the only team that can still achieve the Grand Slam before a possible final against the Blues, at the Stade de France, on March 20.
" Hit or miss "
Eddie jones
But first, the march will be high against the gang at Eddie Jones.
A disappointing and revengeful English team during this edition (defeat against Scotland 6-11, victory over Italy 41-18).
Never better than in adversity, the Australian technician knows he is under pressure: "It goes or it breaks", he warns.
“We want to show people what we are capable of, that we can build great performances.
The best is yet to come! ”Adds Eddie Jones, who will be deprived of his rough second or third row Courtney Lawes whose tournament is already over (injury to a pectoral muscle during training).
England remains on two setbacks during its last trips to Cardiff: during the 2019 Tournament (21-13) and during a test match in August of the same year (13-6).
George North, stylish centenary
Always so painful in front, the Welsh now have a new nugget, winger Louis Rees-Zammit, top try scorer (3) and best player of the last weekend.
Saturday, another player will be highlighted: George North, who has long evolved in the wing before playing now at the center, will honor his hundredth selection with the XV du Leek.
Becoming, at 28, the youngest player to cross this symbolic bar, in front of the Wallabies flanker, Michael Hooper.
The Ospreys player started his international career in November 2010 at just 18 years old.
Read also
Six Nations schedule and results