It is fear that England players are meant to feel on their journeys west, a raw and primeval terror of having their reputations torched in the white heat of the Cardiff cauldron. As Long as We Beat the English: that was the ditty written by the Stereophonics especially for this duel in 1999,

England consigned ailing rival Wales to a 17th straight loss with a record 10-try 68-14 drubbing in the Six Nations that ensured the title will be decided in the final match of the tournament between France and Scotland on “Super Saturday.

England has consigned ailing rival Wales to a 17th straight loss with a record 10-try 68-14 drubbing in the Six Nations in Cardiff.