Catt's confidence in Tait

Mike Catt is backing Matthew Tait to prove his skill this time around, against Wales.

England Captain Mike Catt is backing young centre Matthew Tait to come back from his disappointing 2005 debut against Wales, this weekend.

Tait was thrown in at the deep end by former international coach Andy Robinson in Cardiff two years ago, with Gavin Henson taking the plaudits as Wales went on to claim the Grand Slam.

A silver medal for playing for the Sevens side at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne marked a turnaround in Tait's career though, and Catt believes his team-mate should thrive this time round.

"It's very different from two years ago," Catt stated. "Tait's much stronger now. He's also very quick, an awesome talent. And I think he'll go well.

"He's playing for Newcastle, who play a very similar style to England. And he's surrounded by the best players in the country.

"I'm sure Tom Shanklin and Gareth Thomas will be thinking that Taity's got the speed on them."

The 21-year-old's season was delayed by a cartilage operation, but he comes into the team in place of Mike Tindall, out with a knee infection.

England have an outside chance of winning the RBS Six Nations championship, with France and Triple Crown winners Ireland also level at the top of the table.

A potent back three of Jason Robinson, David Strettle and Mark Cueto has given Brian Ashton plenty of attacking potential, but five successive defeats on the road are a cause for concern.

And Ashton wants his team break their duck under his leadership away from home: "The best part of our performance against France last week was the way a reorganised pack took the French full-on, and we have got to have the foundation and platform up front.

"Winning is the key thing, and to win away from home would be fantastic for us."

The Welsh have a proud history in the competition though, and will be keen to avoid their second whitewash in Six Nations history, particularly playing on home turf.