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Wales will have RWC doubts: Rowntree

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree says Wales will have 'doubts in their minds' heading into Saturday's heavyweight World Cup showdown at Twickenham.

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Source: AAP


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England forwards coach Graham Rowntree has sought to unsettle Wales heading into Saturday's heavyweight World Cup showdown at Twickenham by insisting they have "doubts in their minds".

Since being routed in Cardiff two years ago Stuart Lancaster's men have won their last two matches against their Six Nations rivals, including a rousing 21-16 victory at the Millennium Stadium in February.

"I have worked with their players and played against them for a long time," Rowntree said.

"They'll be coming with some doubts in their minds, especially when they reflect on their last two performances against us.

"But they have a coaching team who will have them wound up and they'll have a few tricks up their sleeves tactically as well."

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Winning in Cardiff in February helped heal the wound inflicted by the 30-3 defeat of 2013 when England were denied the Grand Slam at the final hurdle, but Rowntree insists the scars of that humbling night still linger.

"That game was a defining moment for this group of players because we were well beaten on the night," Rowntree said.

"We learnt a lot from that atmosphere and the physicality of the match and I think our last two games against Wales reflected that."

Dan Biggar insists Wales will arrive at Twickenham confident and ready for battle.

"We are trying to stay in our own bubble and focus on another game of rugby," Wales fly-half Biggar said.

"We are fully aware of what is at stake. We've played against these players time after time, and once kick-off comes it will be another game.

"It gets hyped up. We are trying to prove to everyone that's written us off that we've got a good shout in this game. We're a confident outfit."


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