Tuesday 7 February 2017 12:46, UK
James Haskell says England are experienced enough not to be fazed by the "sideshow" in Wales this week.
England remain unbeaten under Eddie Jones after opening their Six Nations campaign with a narrow win over France but are set to face a stern test in front of a partisan home crowd in Cardiff on Saturday.
Haskell has only two wins from his six visits with England to the Welsh capital and addressed the squad on what to expect on Monday.
"You know you what Wales are going to do," said Haskell. "As a team they are very direct, but it is one thing knowing it, another thing stopping it.
"We have to go there solely focused on ourselves but understand exactly what it is about.
"When we went there and lost the Grand Slam in 2013 [a 30-3 hammering] we were a bit wet behind the ears in terms of what to expect. Last time [a 21-16 win in 2015] we understood that.
"There were guys who had had that experience before and we have that in the squad now, ready to kick on.
"It is about not being distracted by the sideshow that goes with it. It is about not being distracted by the crowd and the noise. You have to go there, deliver your job and then leave.
"Everyone wants to beat England. Everyone is always hostile, especially to me. The [Principality Stadium] is up there. The Welsh are passionate fans."
Haskell famously ran into a post at the stadium two years ago as he hurtled towards the whitewash in search of a try.
"That was the closest I have been to scoring a try in a while," he said. "Everyone laughed at it but I almost broke my neck.
"I managed to not lose the ball and we scored in the next phase, so I will take that. I thought I would do the old hit and spin, unfortunately my radar was a bit off.
"These things happen, you know. It has made a great highlight reel and comedy so I have brought that to the world!"
