Six Nations: Wales ready to deny England Grand Slam

JUSTIN Tipuric says Wales will not lack motivation when they tackle Grand Slam-chasing England at the Millennium Stadium today.

But the flanker also accepts just how tough a task awaits the reigning RBS Six Nations champions against the only unbeaten team in this season’s tournament.

A win or draw would see Wales deny England their first Grand Slam since 2003 and victory by seven points or more would also give the home side a memorable Six Nations title.

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Recent Six Nations history between the countries shows that England have won only two of the last six meetings, although six previous Millennium Stadium encounters in the competition have been shared 3-3.

“We are just concentrating on our job and trying to win the game, that’s the biggest thing,” Tipuric said.

“It is about making sure the scoreboard is ticking over. You can’t go straight out there and try to get a massive lead in ten minutes – it’s not possible.

“It is motivation whenever you play England, you want to win the game. Obviously, being at home as well, and trying to stop them from getting the Grand Slam is a major motivation.

“But it is not going to be easy.

“They are coming down having not lost a game all championship.” Tipuric, 24, and fellow openside specialist Sam Warburton start a Test match together for the first time this afternoon and their battle at the breakdown and contact area with England flankers Chris Robshaw and Tom Croft could prove critical.

The Tipuric/Warburton partnership worked superbly well during the second half against Scotland at Murrayfield last Saturday after skipper Ryan Jones went off injured, but this weekend provides an even sterner test.

“We push each other to try to be better,” Tipuric added. “You want to make sure you improve every part of your game, and we are all doing our extras in that regard.”

PERMUTATIONS

ENGLAND WIN GRAND SLAM

• An England victory by any margin this afternoon would secure a first Grand Slam triumph in a decade.

ENGLAND WIN TITLE

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• An England defeat by six points or fewer would be enough to seal the title.

• If England lose by seven points but outscore Wales by three tries or more then England would win the title.

WALES WIN TITLE

• A Wales victory by seven points, providing they stay ahead of England on tournament tries, would see Rob Howley’s men retain the title.

TITLE SHARED

• If Wales win by seven points but England score two more tries then the title would be shared.

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