Six Nations: England coach Stuart Lancaster delighted to unleash Tom Croft from the start against Wales in Cardiff
Friday 15 March 2013 07:08, UK
Image:Tom Croft: returns to England's starting XV at the Millennium Stadium
Tom Croft's selection for England's Six Nations decider against Wales in Cardiff was due to the added "presence" he brings to back row, explained coach Stuart Lancaster.
Confident
Wales, who did the Grand Slam last year, need to win by seven points or more to claim the Six Nations title and Lancaster knows his relatively inexperienced side are in for a stern examination.
"They are a very experienced side in terms of the number of caps - I think they've got about 600 in their starting team compared to our 280 odd," Lancaster said.
"They have played in big games and they've closed out those Grand Slams in the last few years.
"Playing at home for any team is a big advantage but we go into the game with a strong self-belief.
"We've won four out of four in the Six Nations - which is a difficult tournament to win games in consistently - and we've got that New Zealand game (during the autumn) as well.
"We are pretty confident but very respectful of the opposition."
