RugbyRebels

Feeling oddly calm this morning. It’s a massive test, but don’t have the usual nervous twitch as I did for Dublin.

I don’t think it is confidence, just looking forward to the challenge with a certain amount of hope.

Mako is a big loss, no doubt. I’d have started Genge for the similar carrying impact.

Be very interesting to see how the tactical battle plays out. No doubt we’ll kick, but I suspect we will mix it up quite a bit today. That should depend also on what Wales do defensively. Should be a cracking game!

I just can't decide how vital it is to have a good start. Wales must have some ideas how to stop us gaining the early initiative. In a way I hope they do because we have to win in different ways. Mind you, if we score a try in the first few minutes nobody will be cheering louder than me.

I can hate Wales as much as they hate us. Carling will have motivated along those lines, I suspect.

I'm feeling quite confident. Its bound to be tight but I just have a feeling that we are the better side, with better players, playing better.

I have a sinking feeling this morning, and feel that a 2013 repeat is on the cards. Sigh. SIGH!

The way this team has been playing, something very bad would have to happen for it to be a 2013 repeat. If I recall correctly, 2013 was a series of unconvincing wins, followed by a blasting.

I think it's too close to call. Think we were good value against Ireland, but have to say that the Irish lacked their usual power and accuracy and we really didn't have to play great against France.

Wales haven't been outstanding so far, but to win in Paris from 16-0 down is good, no matter how it happened. I think they were always going to look a little rusty against Italy with all those changes, but this will be on another level. They are a good team, certainly not the best Welsh team ever, let alone the best over the last few years, but they're more than capable of beating us. That home advantage, in that cauldron of an atmosphere could make a difference, but I'm hoping England are experienced enough to handle it.

Will this game be the one where I finally believe that Farrell is the next messiah?

I normally start confident, get more pessimistic as the day goes on, before hitting kick off fully fatalistic. Today is going no different so far!

I'm home alone for this one but still going to need beer. I think November 2015 has made me anxious for life about this fixture

I'm always apprehensive about games v Wales. I think it's because as my mum once said "they do crow so."

Well the Wasps game has completely drained me already, and it's not even over. I don't think my family could cope with England losing too...

WaspInWales wrote:Will this game be the one where I finally believe that Farrell is the next messiah?

It looks like I'm going to have to wait another day to see Farrell's world class abilities.

He was so, so close to greatness today though.

I'm sure Stephen Jones will still find a way to give him a 9.