Rugby betting: Six Nations - England vs Wales

Wales have encountered some fearful hammerings when they have had the temerity to cross the border, and they look in serious trouble in the face of what could be a ruthless onslaught from England at Twickenham. Click here for a free $600 welcome bonus when you join Paddy Power Poker Wales have recruited extremely well by choosing former Wasps supremo Warren Gatland to take over as coach from Gareth Jenkins, and the harnessing of Shaun Edwards may prove a masterstroke in time. The fact that Wales also can rely on the nuts and bolts of the 2005 squad that won the Grand Slam is also heartening for supporters of the principality, particularly with Gavin Henson back in the fold. Henson's bulk and awareness acted as a focal point for the waves of attacks that the Welsh employed when sensationally winning the Grand Slam three years ago, and with Ryan Jones fit and ready to go as skipper, all couldn't be better in the Welsh camp. The trouble is England look raring to go as well. Like it or hate it, Brian Ashton has managed to get Lesley Vainikolo into an England shirt and his impact off the bench will be crucial to England's cause. The bookmakers have notice it, too, and the Volcano is 33/1 with Totesport to score eight tries or more in the tournament, and 16/1 with the same firm to be the tournament's top tryscorer. Ashton has named a team that has gone back to the basics of English rugby, basics that traditionally crush the Welsh. The front-five should simply monster Wales's and the likes of Andrew Sheridan, Mark Regan and Simon Shaw are quite possibly the best in the northern hemisphere in their position right now. The back-row looks rangy and quick, with sevens specialist Luke Narraway providing the turnovers, while Lewis Moody and James Haskell provide the bulk. And then there is the backline. Jonny Wilkinson will relish having club-mate Toby Flood outside him, while Mike Tindall will perform the same task that Henson does. It will be an intriguing encounter, but there is no doubt that both sides have reverted to type, and in that scenario there can only be one winner. Verdict: 5pts England -13 @ 10/11 (Paddy Power) Click here for a free $600 welcome bonus when you join Paddy Power Poker