England’s Earl feels want for Six Nations pace in opposition to Wales

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Ben Earl says taking part in at tempo will underline England’s bid to be topped Six Nations champions on Saturday once they face Wales of their closing match of the match.

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England coach Steve Borthwick has named three specialist openside flankers in his again row for the match in Cardiff, with twins Tom and Ben Curry included alongside Earl.

He might additionally deploy a trio of playmakers late on, with veteran fly-half George Ford on the bench as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith each begin.

“The thing you are seeing around the park is speed wins,” mentioned Earl, shifted from the flank to No 8 in opposition to a Wales facet on a 16-Check dropping streak.

“France is the classic case Bielle-Biarrey is the quickest person I have seen play the game and every time he gets the ball he can make something happen.

“Pace appears to be extra of a precedence to some groups than others however for us, we’re speaking lots about transferring the ball, being aggressive, outworking groups.”

With England opting for a six-two split between forwards and backs on the bench and Fraser Dingwall the lone specialist centre in the starting team, Earl is also primed to provide midfield injury cover.

It was a role filled to great effect by Oscar Jegou when the replacement France flanker played 34 minutes there in the 42-27 win over Ireland last weekend that left Les Bleus in pole position to take the title on Saturday.

“It’s not one thing you overthink. It is simply rugby on the finish of the day. Actually half the stuff I do is principally as a 12 anyway,” Earl said.

“We’re speaking about again rows defending on the sting of the road anyway, working strike performs, being concerned a bit wider in our assault. It’s all fairly complementary.

“You saw Jegou come on and he was tremendous. The crossover is crazy between a centre and a back-rower.”

England, in second place as they chase a primary Six Nations title in 5 years, want a bonus-point win to place strain on leaders France who play Scotland in Paris later Saturday.

“We probably do need to win with four tries if we want to win the tournament, but firstly we need to win,” mentioned Earl.

“The moment we start to think we need to win by four, this game could really unravel.”

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