Phil Bennett's column: Stopping Wilko is the key

IF WALES beat England today it will rank as one of the greatest victories in the history of Welsh rugby.

I think we may go close, but I just feel this England side has too much class to go out at the quarter-final stage.

Having said that, the performance against New Zealand has lifted the nation and underlined that Wales have a fighting underdog's chance today.

For the Dragons to win, they will need to target the two players who make England tick - Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson.

When they are below par, England stutter.

It's like trying to unseat someone racing a bike. The most effective solution is to ram a broom handle into front and back spokes.

Wales fans will remember the job Scott Quinnell did on Johnson when Llanelli beat Leicester in the Heineken Cup a few seasons back.

Quinnell caught the ball from the kick-off, ran straight at Jonno, and knocked him on his backside.

Johnson was rattled and Leicester fell to pieces.

The same thing happened to Wilkinson when France beat England in Paris two years ago.

Serge Betsen and Olivier Magne were all over Jonny - and eventually his confidence from hand and boot started to ebb away.

Wales must do likewise today if they are to stand any chance of winning.

The man to take care of Johnson is Brent Cockbain - he is an awkward customer, and must do his damndest to leave his size 14 boots all over the skipper for 80 minutes.

The targeting of Wilkinson is more difficult as Steve Hansen may have made a mistake leaving Martyn Williams out of the side.

Jonathan Thomas had the game of his life against the All Blacks but I fear that our best flier among the back row is on the bench instead of chasing after the England No.10.

Wales kept the ball in hand last week against New Zealand and refused to kick away possession.

They must do the same today because this England team has as many dangerous finishers as the All Blacks, although perhaps not the electric speed.

What England do have over the Kiwis is a front five who can strangle the opposition and so our front row of Iestyn Thomas, Robin McBryde and Adam Jones need to play their socks off.

Wales restored their pride against New Zealand. We can prove it was no fluke today, although I expect we'll see England progress to the semi-finals.

Phil Bennett on the great Wales-England games - see Page 80

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