Six Nations: Mike Catt upbeat over England chances in Cardiff
Thursday 5 February 2015 17:51, UK
Mike Catt is confident England will not suffer more humiliation in Cardiff when they take on Wales in Friday’s Six Nations opener.
England were hammered 30-3 at the Millennium Stadium in 2013 as they slumped to a record defeat which also ended their Grand Slam bid at the final hurdle.
"That day hurt quite a lot. Every English person hurt that day - it wasn't just the team," attacking skills coach Catt said.
"It was two years ago. Since then as a team we have been successful against Wales and we are excited. We are looking forward to it.
"It won't happen again because we are two years more experienced and the group of players have been in big cauldrons in New Zealand and South Africa. Those things will stand us in good stead."
The Millennium Stadium roof is to remain open for the game at the request of England.
Blindside flanker James Haskell was on the bench two years ago, coming on to win his 50th cap, and describes the noise levels as an "oppressive force".
"Crowds are fantastic in rugby, but often they only pick up in key moments," Haskell told RFU TV. "Down at the Millennium Stadium it's noise before kick-off and noise the whole way through the game.
"If the roof is closed and you're 10 metres from the Welsh line, or they're 10 metres from your line, the noise becomes so oppressive it's like a force on top of you.
"So it's a very intimidating place to go, a very difficult place to get a win. A huge occasion. In 2013 a lot of players hadn't been down there and played. In rugby it's about experience. Win or lose, you draw from those experiences.
"We went there with pretty inexperienced players who hadn't dealt with that kind of situation before and maybe misjudged it.
"This time we're going back with a lot more experience. It's about recognising when you're in a difficult situation and recalling what happened before."
