Wales looking to be Slam-busters (From Campaign Series)

Wales looking to be Slam-busters

8:00am Monday 11th March 2013 in Sport By Chris Kirwan

WALES v ENGLAND (Saturday, KO 5pm)

WALES are relishing the chance to be party-poopers when England head to Cardiff chasing a Grand Slam.

A year ago there were wild Welsh celebrations at the Millennium Stadium when victory against France secured a perfect five wins.

And the intention is to make sure there is no champagne flowing in the away changing- room on Saturday.

Stuart Lancaster’s side recorded their fourth victory when they beat Italy yesterday afternoon, while Wales made it three hard-earned away wins on a spin when outplaying Scotland on Saturday.

England blew their chance to secure the title when they spluttered against the Italians, meaning that a home victory by seven points will see Wales lift the trophy at the Millennium Stadium.

And it’s another Scott Gibbs Slam-busting moment that is the stuff of dreams for the Welsh public this week.

“It doesn’t get any bigger than this,” said Wales hooker Richard Hibbard, who scored the only try of the game at Murrayfield.

“It will be a massive occasion and I think the pressure is more on them with them chasing a Grand Slam.

“That adds real spice and we would love to spoil their party. It’s going to be a huge battle for the full 80 minutes and will be a great game for the fans and one of the biggest of my career.

“We will need to play better and wiser. Scotland wasn’t a faultless performance but it’s always tough to get a win in Edinburgh.

“(Defence coach) Shaun Edwards asked us before the game for an extra 5 per cent on the Italy win and I am sure he will want an extra 10 per cent on Saturday.”

Just like against France in Paris and Italy in Rome, it was a pragmatic performance from Wales.

It may not have been pretty but it was effective, and Hibbard expects to use the same blueprint against England.

“We have a big advantage in that we are at home and we just need to keep doing what we have been doing,” said the Ospreys front-row forward.

“Our mindset won’t change from the last three games even though we are at home. The gameplan has been working so we won’t go away from that, regardless of where we are playing.”