England now capable of required intensity – Rowntree

forwards coach Graham Rowntree has warned Wales ahead of Sunday’s RBS 
Six Nations title encounter at Twickenham that England are a different proposition to the team routed in Cardiff last year.

The Red Rose were overwhelmed 30-3 at the Millennium Stadium, denying them the Grand Slam and enabling Warren Gatland’s champions to defend their crown successfully.

England were accused of being bullied in a performance that even prompted calls for the pack to be rebuilt such was Wales’s dominance up front.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Since then a string of victories, particularly over Australia and Ireland, has restored optimism and Rowntree admits last year’s Cardiff ordeal has given motivation to his team.

“That game hurt. It’s well documented how much that hurt me and the forwards,” said Rowntree.

“We have come a long way from that because we have learned from it. I said at the time it was important that we capture the lessons from that game.

“It’s driven us on. The intensity their forward pack brought to that game is something we are striving to match. I think we have shown we can do it, but we have got to do it consistently.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wales thrust themselves back into title contention with a 27-6 victory over France, a result delivered after Gatland had warned his players that some of them were playing for their Test futures after being put to the sword by Ireland.

Rowntree has worked alongside Gatland on two British and Irish Lions tours and understands the force of the Kiwi’s ‘hairdryer’ treatment.

“We have had a look at Wales’s recent games. Warren laid down the law for that France game. I have seen him do that before,” added Rowntree.

“I can imagine what it was like, and the players delivered. All their big-name players stood up that night and I am sure they’ll be looking to do the same against us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Warren can be very direct. He doesn’t say a lot but what he does say, you listen to.”

n Leeds Carnegie have signed scrum-half Chris Pilgrim and centre James Fitzpatrick on two-year contracts from next season.

The pair will arrive from Newcastle Falcons, with Fitzpatrick likely to join up with his new club this month for the remainder of the Championship season.

Carnegie’s director of rugby Chris Gibson said: “We have been monitoring both over a long period and had great reports on not just their abilities on the field, but their attitude off the field, which is an important factor for us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“James is currently recovering from an injury, but has been registered to join up with us on loan when fit for the remainder of the season.

“I know that Chris is already excited about next season and being part of our group.”