Aaron Wainwright returns to starting XV as Wales aim to deny England Six Nations glory
Today at 03:28 PM
Aaron Wainwright will start for Wales for only the second time in year's Guinness Six Nations in the Championships finale against England at Principality Stadium on Saturday.
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After starting against France in Paris, the 27-year-old has been named on the bench in his last three appearances for Wales. Last timeout he came onto replace Tommy Reffell who was named on the bench for the encounter in the Welsh capital.
This means that Wainwright, will join up with 2023 World Cup counterparts Jac Morgan and Taulupe Faletau with all three being great assets in getting over the gain-line when in attack.
"I am looking forward to being back playing with them (Morgan and Faletau)," stated Wainwright who has made 56 appearances for Wales.
"They are both awesome players who have played well so far over this campaign, so I am looking forward to getting out there.
"He (Faletau) is a game changer, you could see that on the weekend. Once he gets his hands on the ball he can make things happen and for me and the other guys around him it's about being there on those support lines so we can be there if he can get his hands free and try and get on his shoulder and keep up with him.
"Knowing my role when I have been included on the bench. Jockey (Matt) spoke to me about bringing energy when I go on, and I think I have done that.
"Probably struggled in the Ireland game to make as much of an impact as I would have wanted, but I thought I did quite well off the bench against Italy and Scotland. Looking forward to going from the start this week."
Wales have not tasted a Test match triumph since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and their opposition for Saturday's round five contest only need a bonus-point victory to give them a chance of being crowned Six Nations Champions. Whereas for Wales they will be looking to avoid back-to-back wooden spoons.
On playing England, Wainwright stated: "The occasion takes care of itself.
"Wales-England at the Prinicpality is a massive occasion. For us, we spoke a bit about ending these three games that Jockey has come in on a high. I think the impact that him and TR (Thomas) have had on the group has been massive.
"Just to be able to put out on the pitch what they have implemented over the last couple of weeks, if we can do that then we will be able to put a good performance in."
"It is about making sure we control that first 20 minutes. We have probably been passive and we need to make sure we are not making as many mistakes as we did in the opening minutes against Scotland.
"If you look at the Ireland game at home with the crowd in full voice behind us we started well and took it to them.
"If we can do the same and maybe finish the game against Scotland, we will be in a good place."
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