After a turbulent week for Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), the Wales v England Six Nations 2023 clash is finally here.
The game had been under threat, with Wales rugby players threatening to strike over a dispute surrounding contracts.
However, following a meeting between players and officials on Wednesday, an agreement was made and the game was given the green light.
Supporting our nation 🏴#CmonCymru #WelshRugby pic.twitter.com/o8DrxOS8Y7
— Principality Stadium (@principalitysta) February 23, 2023
Wales captain, Ken Owens, said the off-field drama had not affected the team's preparation for tomorrow's match and they would be ready to play England when they stepped onto the pitch.
Owens said: "Of course, it has been a distraction with everything that has been going on, but I have got to commend the players’ professionalism in this.
“When we have crossed that white line at training, we’ve prepared well and done our work as professional players.
"We are really ready for Saturday, and looking forward to getting out there and going toe to toe with England.
Wales will be searching for their first win of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations campaign, when they take on England at Principality Stadium, Cardiff tomorrow.
Warren Gatland's side has lost their first two matches to Ireland and Scotland and will be looking to bounce back this week in arguably one of the biggest matches on the WRU calendar.
Wales will be looking for their first win of the Guinness Six Nations 2023 (Image: PA)
Gatland said: “For both of us (Wales and England), this game is absolutely massive.
“If we win on Saturday, then we go away to Italy and France and we can finish the Six Nations on a real positive.
“For (England), a loss on Saturday and their last two games are France and Ireland, which are pretty challenging as well.”
How can I watch the game?
Kick-off is at 4.45pm (GMT) tomorrow, with the game being played at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The roof will be open for the match.
The roof is open for this Saturday’s clash🏟️🏴 WALvENG#CmonCymru #Welshrugby pic.twitter.com/PcAsuPguAZ
— Principality Stadium (@principalitysta) February 23, 2023
Wales v England will be broadcast live on BBC One and SC4 with coverage beginning at 4pm.
Pre-game performance from Katherine Jenkins
It has been announced this morning, Welsh singer, Katherine Jenkins will be performing at the Six Nations Wales v England game this Saturday.
This will mark her 20th anniversary singing at Principality Stadium.
Jenkins said: “I cannot believe it’s been 20 years since I first sang at the stadium for the Welsh team.
Katherine Jenkins will be performing before the match in Cardiff tomorrow. (Image: PA)
"It was a huge moment for me back then and it played such a pivotal role in the start of my career.
"It’s lovely to have an opportunity to acknowledge the incredible support and platform I was given and I thank the WRU for having me back.”
Principality Stadium Operations and Sales Manager, Alex Luff, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Katherine Jenkins back to the stadium, marking 20 years from that very first performance in 2003.
"There’s nothing like the atmosphere at a Wales v England game during the Guinness Six Nations, and this Saturday is a sold-out fixture so the stadium will be in full voice.”
The pre-match performance this weekend will be Jenkins’ eighth occasion singing at a rugby international in Cardiff.
Her performance will form part of the pre-match entertainment, following the choirs - made up of voices from Guernsey Male Voice Choir and Côr Meibion Pendyrus from Tylorstown, Rhondda, who will be joined by the Regimental Band Corps of Drums of the Royal Welsh.
Travel to Principality Stadium
Transport for Wales is putting on coach services for rugby fans tomorrow.
Coaches will drop off and depart from Tresillian Way in Cardiff city centre, a short walk from Principality Stadium to make it easy for fans to get to the match.
Return coach tickets must be booked in advance.
Capacity is limited and tickets will be issued on first-come, first-served basis.
A maximum of four spaces can be booked per person.
The teams
Both Gatland and England head coach, Steve Borthwick, named their sides yesterday.
Gatland made nine changes to the Welsh side that lost to Scotland two weeks ago including leaving out experienced pair George North and Liam Williams.
Mason Grady will make his debut at outside center, while exciting winger Louis Ree-Zammit makes his return from injury.
Mason Grady will make his senior international debut this weekend for Wales against England. (Image: PA)
Wales
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets – 97 caps)
14. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 46 caps)
13. Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby – uncapped)
12. Joe Hawkins (Ospreys – 3 caps)
11. Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester Rugby – 22 caps)
10. Owen Williams (Ospreys – 4 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 42 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 18 caps)
2. Ken Owens (Scarlets – 88 caps) (c)
3. Tomas Francis (Ospreys – 68 caps)
4. Adam Beard (Ospreys – 43 caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys – 156 caps)
6. Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs – 4 caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys – 90 caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 97 caps)
Replacements
16. Bradley Roberts (Dragons – 3 caps)
17. Rhys Carre (Cardiff Rugby – 19 caps)
18. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Rugby – 47 caps)
19. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 3 caps)
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 6 caps)
21. Kieran Hardy (Scarlets – 16 caps)
22. Dan Biggar (Toulon – 105 caps)
23. Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 25 caps)
🏴 𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐑𝐔 𝐗𝐕 🏴
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 23, 2023
The Welsh 23 to face England in Cardiff
💪 Amdani bois!#WelshRugby | #GuinnessSixNations
England
15. Freddie Steward
14. Max Malins
13. Henry Slade
12. Ollie Lawrence
11. Anthony Watson
10. Owen Farrell (c)
9. Jack van Poortvliet
1. Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George
3. Kyle Sinckler
4. Maro Itoje
5. Ollie Chessum
6. Lewis Ludlam
7. Jack Willis
8. Alex Dombrandt.
Replacements
16. Jack Walker
17. Mako Vunipola
18. Dan Cole
19. Courtney Lawes
20. Ben Curry
21. Alex Mitchell
22. Marcus Smith
23. Henry Arundell.
𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 🌹
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 23, 2023
Your England men's Starting XV to face Wales on Saturday. #WALvENG | @O2 | #WearTheRose
Wales v England - Head to head
Wales and England have played 126 times - Wales 56 wins, England 58, with 12 draws.
England have the edge over Wales in the head to heads. (Image: PA)
The last time these two sides met was during the 2022 Six Nations.
It was England that won that match, 23-19.
What other Six Nations games are taking place this weekend?
SAT, FEB 11 – 2.15pm: Italy v Ireland (Stadio Olimpico, Italy) [ITV]
SUN, FEB 12 – 3pm: France v Scotland (Stade de France, France) [ITV]
Guinness Six Nations FanZone in Cardiff
For those in Cardiff, or looking to head to the Welsh capital, the Guinness Six Nations FanZone is back again.
The Guinness Six Nations FanZone at Depot in Cardiff will be open again this weekend. (Image: John Doe)
Hosted at Depot, Cardiff, the FanZone will show every Welsh game throughout the Six Nations.
It includes huge sports screens, pints of Guinness and Guinness 0.0, street food, and live entertainment.
Tickets for the FanZone start at £6 for general admission and guests can book by visiting the Depot website.
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