Six nations rugby: England clash will be huge, predicts Henry

Graham Henry has predicted a ‘‘huge physical confrontation’’ between the rival packs when Wales and England get to grips with each other in Saturday’s Six Nations Championship clash.

England will arrive at the Millennium Stadium as clear favourites after beating southern hemisphere heavyweights Australia and South Africa last November.

But Wales famously upset the form book two years ago, wrecking England’s Grand Slam dream during a Wembley thriller, and Henry is confident his players can give a good account of themselves.

Five players come into the side who did not feature against South Africa two months ago Stephen Jones, Mark Taylor, Robin McBryde, David Young and Martyn Williams.

Llanelli fly-half Jones has been picked out of position, taking on the full-back role vacated due to Rhys Williams’ poor form.

Jones apart, 30-year-old McBryde’s selection is the other surprise, having won just four caps in six years and not started a Test since 1997.

But his robust, no-nonsense approach he will lock horns with fellow North Wales-born hooker, England’s Dorian West has won Henry’s vote above the long-serving Garin Jenkins.

‘‘The physical confrontation among the forwards will be huge,’’ Henry said.

‘‘Robin has been in outstanding club form, and is a big and robust forward, while Martyn Williams (openside flanker) will add an edge to the competition for loose ball.

‘‘Challenges don’t come any bigger than this opening game of the Six Nations Championship. It is such an important match for us.

‘‘With England riding high, and visiting the Millennium Stadium for the first time, the game has got all the ingredients to make it a memorable occasion.

‘‘Maturity, both physical and mental, plus a balance of talents, are the essential ingredients for such challenges and I believe we are as close as we can be.’’

Henry admitted that last weekend’s Heineken Cup quarter-finals, when both Cardiff and Swansea suffered depressing defeats, had influenced selection in one or two areas.

And that has been underlined by the full-back situation, where Jones features due to Cardiff youngster Williams’ dismal display against Gloucester.

‘‘Form of the other full-backs hasn’t been too encouraging, so we had to look elsewhere,’’ Henry added.

‘‘Stephen has got the character and skill levels to handle this situation. He’s also very enthusiastic and professional about it.’’

Nine of Henry’s starting line-up were involved in European action, so he must monitor possible mental scarring caused by Cardiff’s defeat at Gloucester and Swansea’s crushing loss to Leicester.

Henry is angry that the Heineken Cup quarter-finals were scheduled just a week before Saturday’s Six Nations opener, but he is also professional enough not to let it cloud preparations.

Any complaint in that direction will be reserved for another day plotting the Six Nations champions’ downfall is a task currently occupying every waking hour.