WALES have been accused of running scared by England coach Andy Robinson who has stepped up the heat ahead of today's massive Six Nations Championship showdown at a packed out Millennium Stadium.

Welsh counterpart Mike Ruddock this week questioned the legality of England powerhouse Julian White's scrummaging, suggesting New Zealand referee Steve Walsh take a close look at his technique.

Robinson has responded by accusing Wales of trying to destabilise them and of being fearful of them.

"We have seen time and again how well Julian White scrummages," said Robinson at England's final pre-match Press conference at St David's Hotel in Cardiff Bay.

"These question marks about our scrum come up time and again, we give very few penalties away in the scrums.

"Steve Walsh is very happy with the way he scrums, it's up to him but Julian White is an outstanding scrummager as are Graham Rowntree and Steve Thompson.

"Obviously Wales are trying to destabilise things and they are fearful of us. It's an interesting way of doing it."

Over at the stadium an hour later as Wales had their last run-out Ruddock refused to get involved in a war of words, having provoked an angry response from Robinson after he lobbed in the White grenade.

"The question I was asked about Julian White was separate from the referee," he said. "I said Julian White is a great player and scrummager whose reputation goes before him.

"All we would ask is that he scrummages nice and at a very straight angle. We didn't talk to the referee about it and we haven't had a conversation with him."

Robinson confirmed he had spoken to referee Walsh and would meet him, but that was normal.

Robinson also says Welsh expectations are nothing new and the stadium will inspire England, too.

"I've been involved with England for four years and every time it's the best chance they've had.

"We've got to focus on ourselves and the way we play. The battle will be won up front and the team able to keep possession will win.

"Losing doesn't come into our heads. There is tremendous belief and if you don't have that you won't win. We're confident in the systems and framework we've put in place in attack and defence.

"The Millennium Stadium is a magnificent place to play and we'll be truly inspired by it."

Ruddock says the stadium factor will count in their favour. "We hope home advantage and Welsh support and singing will raise our team and help act as a catalyst for a great Welsh performance and act as a distraction for the opposition," he said.

"We haven't beaten England in Cardiff for 12 years, I hope we play to the top of our potential, there's no point in talking about it until we do it."

* England made a change yesterday, with injured flanker Lewis Moody replaced by Chris Jones. "Chris destroyed the Welsh line-out last year," said Robinson.

* The stadium roof will be shut at Wales' request with rain forecast, England happy to agree.