The Albany Gazette - Wainwright says England game still 'huge occasion' despite Welsh woes

England have won 11 matches in a row, whereas Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 Tests heading into the teams' Six Nations opener at Twickenham on Saturday.

In last year's clash in Cardiff, England inflicted a record 68-14 thrashing on Wales.

But Wales back-row forward Wainwright insisted Friday: "England v Wales is a huge occasion, massive derby, massive rivalry."

"Twickenham's an amazing stadium to play in and it's going to be a massive challenge," said Wainwright, who will become part of a growing exodus of Welsh players when he joins English Premiership side Leicester at the end of the season.

Wainwright has seen the highs, as well as the lows, with Wales since making his debut in 2018.

The 28-year-old was a member of Wales sides that won the Grand Slam in 2019, reached the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup and lifted another Six Nations title in 2021.

"Going back to those periods is probably that belief (is there), buying into what is being coached into you and what a good performance is," he said. "I think we're starting to build that, really starting to buy into the messages of what we're going after in games.

"Hopefully that keeps building, that belief keeps growing and winning then becomes a habit."

Wales coach Steve Tandy started his reign with a November win over Japan that was quickly followed by losses to Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa.

In late November, Wales crashed 73-0 to the Springboks in a match when they were without players at non-Welsh clubs because it was scheduled outside the official international window.

Wainwright is clear on what Wales have to do to upset England.

"I think for us the test is going to be how quick can we allow our speed of ball to be and how much can we slow theirs down."

(A.Thompson--TAG)