Ben Youngs is confident England’s spirit will ensure they bounce back from their scrappy win over Italy against Wales.
Youngs (above) suffered the disappointment of missing out on a Grand Slam in the final game two years ago when England lost Ireland 24-8 in Dublin and believes Saturday’s match in Cardiff is even bigger.
Youngs was a replacement in Sunday’s 18-11 win over Italy but will regain the No9 jersey from Danny Care to partner fit-again Owen Farrell.
The lessons of Dublin will be used to help the less-experienced players — including his brother Tom, the eight-cap hooker, — deal with a Grand Slam decider made even more important by Wales’ bid for the championship. The hosts can take the title if they win by seven points.
“I definitely feel we’re in a stronger position than in 2011. We have a great sense of collective unity,” said Youngs. “That’s a huge ethos of the team that steers this group.
“I think this is a bigger game as well. The sense of expectation is more. There’s the whole Wales‑England history to it and we’re all fully aware of that.
“You can’t let the occasion get to you. That’s something I learned from two years ago. Yes, the Millennium Stadium is intimidating, it’s a big, loud stadium but that’s where you want to be. It’s the best stadium in the world.
“Our ambition was to win a Grand Slam and this is it now. Both sides have something at stake and we must seize the moment.”
