Tom Willis: England's break-out back row is ready for Six Nations title push in Cardiff

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The final round of the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations is set to light up the stage this weekend, as Super Saturday kicks off with it all on the line. England need to secure an emphatic win over Wales, before the cards are handed over to Scotland to win Steve Borthwick’s side the title.

Find your local Greene King and settle in to the Six Nations!

Gregor Townsend’s men face off against France in the final match of the tournament, and a win for the Scots would upset the odds to hand England their first Six Nations title since 2020. England back row Tom Willis understands that his side are not in control of their destiny, but is chomping at the bit to get stuck into Wales this Saturday.

“Obviously, it’s not fully in our hands, but it’s nice that we’re in that position going into the final weekend.” Willis said, after England secured their 47-24 win over the Italians.

“We’re really pleased that we've put ourselves in this position. We obviously go out to win every game. The fact it comes down to the final weekend, all that's in our control is to go to Wales and try to put in the best performance possible and see where it leaves us. “

Willis bagged his first England try to ignite the scoring, as he dotted the ball down off the back of a heavy carry after just three minutes.

“I was buzzing, really happy. That was a cool moment.” Willis added. “It was massively important that we could do that. The longer teams stay in the game, the edgier It gets towards the back end of a match. So the fact that we then pushed a couple of scores ahead was a big moment.”

“We knew a few things hadn't gone our way (against Italy). We spoke (at half-time) about the breakdown and how we needed to be better in attack. Obviously Italy had some massive threats over the ball. So, from our end, there was a case of just sharpening that up in terms of ball carrying and working on the floor and our cleaners being more accurate. That worked out.”

Willis returns to the Principality Stadium this Saturday for the first time since his England debut, as the number eight first wore the rose in the heartland of Welsh rugby. Taking place in a 2023 Rugby World Cup warm-up match, Willis ran out for a 26 minute replacement appearence as England were defeated 20-9 in Cardiff.

That match marked the end of the line, for Willis’ hopes to make the Rugby World Cup squad, as he was joined by the likes of Tom Pearson, Joe Cokanasiga and Jamie Blamire to be subsequently cut from the pre-tournament preparations. Willis is now a far more established England star, and is hoping to make amends when he heads back to the Welsh capital.

“It’s exciting. That’s actually where I made my debut, so I’m excited to go there. That was in the World Cup warm-up. I’m excited to go and play there in a proper Six Nations game.”

“You saw the fight they showed in that Scotland game, especially the way they came back. So going to Wales is going to be an unbelievable challenge. It’s going to be really hard game, so we’re excited for that.”

Willis has narrowed the scope down on two stars of the Welsh back row, whom he is excited to battle hammer and tongs with this Saturday. The Saracen identified two players at vastly different ends of their careers, with young gun captain Jac Morgan and veteran powerhouse Taulupe Faletau presenting unique threats for Willis to meet head on.

“He’s (Jac Morgan) outstanding. You see with the metres he makes in contact. As a ball carrier myself, you have to admire that and what he brings in any position. He’s always fighting. He leads them through his actions.”

“(Playing against Faletau) That will be classy. He's an unbelievable player, one of the most consistent number eights for years and years and years. I’ve watched him growing up so that will cool.  In any game in an England shirt you've got to prove yourself so you never take it for granted and you want to stay in it.”

QUIZ: Can You Name EVERY Player in England’s 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam Squad?

England last won the Six Nations Grand Slam back in 2016, in what was Eddie Jones’ first Championship in charge. Taking over from Stuart Lancaster, Jones appointed a new captain to his side, in what was the start of a record equalising 18-test match winning streak.

Jones named a 33-man squad for the 2016 Six Nations, and we’ve laid out the challenge for you to name each and every one of the players. Due to the extra toughness of this one, we’ve given a slightly longer time limit for you to rattle off the answers.

Your time starts… now!

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