THE biggest game in world rugby -- that is how Newport centre Andy Marinos (pictured) rates Saturday's Wales-England showdown.

It will be Marinos' first visit to Twickenham, but he still rates the game that highly though he comes from the Southern Hemisphere.

"There is a lot bigger rivalry when it comes to Wales against England than there is for South Africa against New Zealand," said Marinos, the Zimbabwe-born but Welsh qualified centre who has played union in South Africa and league in Australia. "I know it's traditional and that there's always been this big thing about Wales and England.

"It's been rammed down my throat ever since I got in the Test side how important the England game is to the Welsh people and the nation as a whole.

"But we can't get wrapped up in that sort of thing or you'll forget about the rugby." And though Marinos rates England, he doubts whether the occasion or the atmosphere will have any effect.

"England are a hell of a good side, number one in the world and Twickenham is a fortress. They've been playing well and are a benchmark for any side," he said. "But once you are out there you are oblivious of the crowd for 80% of the game, apart from when there is a try or a break in concentration."

Marinos is playing his best rugby since he arrived in Wales two-and-a-half years ago, and he admits his confidence is high.

"There were many doubters about me for the last game and quite a lot of question marks about myself," he admitted.

"But it's all a confidence factor and with Newport going well and with a great bunch of guys and coaches it helps you.

"I've never played against Will Greenwood, but I like to think I'm moving away from the bash and physical part of the game.

"Gareth Thomas has got a lot of experience with a calm head and it's nice to have a big, physical bloke outside me."

The Newport centre can't wait for the big day. "It'll be one of the special moments, another personal highlight," he said.

l Newport lock Ian Gough could not be considered in the end for the Wales team because of a pulled muscle in his backside.

He should be fit for next Friday's Principality Cup quarter-final against Cardiff. Gareth Llewellyn will be on the bench for Wales while a late decision will be made whether Rhys Williams or Tom Shanklin will be a replacement.

l Matthew Watkins is in the Wales A team to face England A at Ashton Gate, Bristol, tomorrow (7.30pm), but on the wing.

Ebbw Vale lock Neil Edwards is a late replacement for Gareth Llewellyn, now a senior team replacement.

Newport prop David Pattison and Pontypool lock Mike Powell are in the Wales Students team against England, also at Ashton Gate (5.15pm).

Wales A: A Durston (Bridgend), G Wyatt (Pontypridd), M Taylor (Swansea), J Bryant (Pontypridd), M Watkins (Newport), L Jarvis (Neath), A Moore (Neath), D Jones (Neath), M Davies (Pontypridd), A Millward (Neath), R Sidoli (Pontypridd), N Edwards (Ebbw Vale), M Owen (Pontypridd), B Sinkinson (Neath), N Bonner-Evans (Neath). Replacements: G Williams (Bridgend), M Madden (Llanelli), V Cooper (Llanelli), G Thomas (Bath), R Powell (Cardiff), C Warlow (Bridgend) or C Sweeney (Pontypridd), W Davies (Orrell).

England A: P Sampson (Wasps); M Cueto (Sale), F Waters (Wasps), B Johnston (Saracens), D Scarbrough (Leeds); P Jones (Orrell), N Duncombe (Harlequins); T Woodman (Gloucester), M Regan (Bath), R Nebbett (Leicester), T Palmer (Leeds), S Borthwick (Bath, Captain), W Johnson (Leicester), J Forrester (Gloucester), A Balding (Leicester). Replacements: N Walshe (Saracens), A Goode (Leicester), P Christophers (Bristol), S Booth (Leicester), C Fortey (Gloucester) or M Shelley (Leeds), M Cornwell (Gloucester), P Gustard (London Irish).