England vs Wales: The humble visitors try to defy the odds

Steve Tandy is a guy trying to make something out of a mess.

The 46-year-old, who has represented Neath and Ospreys – a tradition most under threat as the Welsh Rugby Union simplifies its regional system – became Wales coach in September.

His reputation is built on creating stifling defenses that teams can build on. Scotland and the British and Irish Lions all benefited.

Leicester did too. Tandy came over for a short time while Wigglesworth was coaching there.

“He seemed like a really good guy and was really passionate about what he did,” Wigglesworth said.

“I’ve always been a real fan of the teams he’s been involved in. All the coaches who have worked with him also talk about him – he’s a good coach.”

England expected Tandy, as such, to try to level the playing field by taking to the skies.

Head coach Steve Borthwick suggested that as many as 50 contestable punts could come the way of his back three.

However, many of them will need to fall Wales’ way for the visitors to emerge victorious on Saturday.

If they do, it will arguably be the biggest shock in the game’s 145-year history.

If title-chasing England inflict another crushing defeat, more meaningfully, those final touches of hell of recent years will seem even more distant.

Damage control rather than dreams of victory are on the minds of most Wales fans.

George says he has no concerns about the long-term competitiveness of the rivalry.

“I don’t think it will be a problem,” he said.

“I think Wales will be a good team going forward. I think they will be a good team on Saturday.”

Good enough? By the high standards this match has set in the past? This still seems a bit far away.