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Steve Tandy is the man attempting to mould something out of the mess.<\/p>\n
The 46-year-old, who represented Neath and Ospreys – the tradition most under threat as the Welsh Rugby Union streamline their regional system – became Wales head coach in September.<\/p>\n
His reputation was built on forging suffocating defences for teams to build from. Scotland and the British and Irish Lions have both benefited.<\/p>\n
Leicester have too. Tandy came in for a short stint while Wigglesworth was coaching there.<\/p>\n
“He seemed like a really good bloke and very switched on for what he did,” said Wigglesworth.<\/p>\n
“I’ve always been really impressed with the teams he’s been involved in. All the coaches who have worked with him as well, speak highly of him – he’s a good coach.”<\/p>\n
England have predicted that, as such, Tandy will attempt to level the pitch by taking to the skies.<\/p>\n
Head coach Steve Borthwick suggested as many as 50 contestable kicks could be coming the way of his back three.<\/p>\n
A lot of them would need to fall Wales’ way for the visitors to emerge victorious on Saturday, though.<\/p>\n
If they do, it would rank as arguably the biggest shock in the fixture’s 145-year history.<\/p>\n
If, more feasibly, England – with title aspirations – inflict another thrashing, those nip-tuck, nose-to-nose inferno finishes of years gone by would seem even more distant.<\/p>\n
Damage limitation instead of dreams of victory occupy the minds of most Wales fans.<\/p>\n
George says he has no fears over the long-term competitiveness of the rivalry.<\/p>\n
“I don’t think it’ll be a problem,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I think Wales are going to be a good team moving forward. I think they’re going to be a good team on Saturday.”<\/p>\n
Good enough? By the high standards set by this match in the past? That still seems some way off.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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