‘It'll be their World Cup final’ – Jamie George ready for battle with Wales in Cardiff as England eye Six Nations title
Published 09/03/2025 at 20:15 GMT
Jamie George is well aware of the challenge that awaits as England head into their final game of the Six Nations against Wales with a chance at clinching the title. Steve Borthwick’s side sit second in the table but can put pressure on leaders France with a win in Cardiff. At the other end, Wales will be eager to snap their 15-match losing run and avoid a second successive wooden spoon.
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Video credit: SNTV
Jamie George expects Wales to treat the visit of England as "their World Cup final" as one of the sport’s most iconic rivalries resumes in Cardiff on the final weekend of the Six Nations.
On one of the biggest stages in rugby, Wales and England will collide on Super Saturday desperate to win for different reasons.
Wales will be out to end their 15-Test losing run and avoid a second successive wooden spoon, while England can put pressure on France with a win after Steve Borthwick’s side beat Italy to remain in title contention.
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"It will be their World Cup final, and we are going there to win the tournament," George told BBC Sport following England’s 47-24 victory over Italy.
There was pressure on England after being booed by their own fans during a dramatic 16-15 win over Scotland, but they ran in seven tries in a much more free-flowing performance against Italy.
And the day was doubly special for former captain George, who earned his 100th international cap.
"It was so special and a memory that will last a lifetime," he added. "I am so grateful for everyone in the team, my family and friends.
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"Generally, we felt in control. We didn't feel panicked at any stage and knew what needed to be done. We knew we had to take control of the ball a little bit more.
"To come away with a result like that is hugely important."
England had never lost to Italy in the Six Nations, and were heavy favourites on Sunday.
But head coach Borthwick is confident the team is improving. England lost their Six Nations opener to Ireland but responded with successive one-point wins at home to France and Scotland before continuing their dominance over Italy.
"We are pleased with plenty of those scores," Borthwick said. "The way the team accelerated the scoreline was really good. This Italian side is really well coached and their battle at the breakdown is fierce.
"When we got quick ball and the contact area right, we took our opportunities. The team is progressing and developing. It is a young side and it adapted really well."
As the focus shifts to Cardiff, England can secure a first title since 2020 if results go their way and Borthwick is relishing the challenge that awaits.
"I am looking forward to it," he added. "It is a fantastic place to play rugby, we will recover well and start looking forward to that game."
Borthwick could be without Ollie Lawrence, however, after the Bath centre went down in the opening minutes and looked in considerable pain before being taken off.
"We took a major disruption losing Ollie to injury after only a few minutes and that caused quite a bit of a reshuffle," Borthwick said. "The players dealt with it really well.
"He’s injured his Achilles. We don't know how bad until we have those scans and see the specialists, obviously. Hopefully, fingers crossed, it’s not as bad as we fear, as tough an injury as we fear.
"We’ll make sure he’s looked after well and sees all the best people to get back on the grass ASAP."
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