England warned Wales clash means "much more" to opponents after strike threat

25 February 2023 , 09:24

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England have been warned to expect a determined Wales side when they meet in Cardiff today (Image: Getty Images)

England have been warned that their Six Nations clash means "much more" to opponents Wales after strike action which threatened to cancel the match was called off.

It was announced earlier this week that Welsh players had cancelled planned strike action over their contracts - with some players only having months left on their deals. The match in Cardiff is believed to be worth close to £9million for the WRU and will go ahead after a resolution materialised between players and bosses.

Wales suffered a heavy 35-7 defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield in their second of two Six Nations defeats after a 10-34 home loss to Ireland in their opener.

Despite losing their first Six Nations match against Scotland, Steve Borthwick won his first game as head coach by beating Italy 31-14 two weeks ago.

England hooker Jamie George believes that the match will mean 'much more' to Wales after their strike threat.

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Speaking to the Rugby Union Daily, George said: "Given everything they have been going through, I imagine it means that much more.

"But that doesn't take away from what we want to get out of the game and how much this game means to us."

Jamie George has warned England to expect a determined Welsh side in Cardiff (Getty Images)

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Strike action was being considered after it was revealed that one member of Warren Gatland's side was on antidepressants and missed out on a mortgage due to the ongoing dispute. That was amid a contract renewal freeze which left players with contracts running out and fearing for their future.

Wales captain Ken Owens says that conversations have shown that 'some positive resolutions can be found'. George says that off-field turmoil can bring sides closer together and Wales players could feel they have 'nothing to lose' going into today's England clash

Wales captain Ken Owens has said that positive solutions can be found amid talks with the WRU (PA)

He added: "I've been in it at times in my career where you've had a lot of stuff going on off the field and sometimes that can bring you tighter as a playing group. For me, if I was in that Wales camp I'd be saying 'we've got nothing to lose. Don't use it as an excuse, use it as an opportunity to propel you forward'.

"I know that they are a very proud nation. They've got some really experienced players in that team. They will be making sure that people are right to play on Saturday."

Benjamin Goddard