Warren has to establish a half-back partnership

By Shane Williams 
When you play England as a Welsh international, it's your World Cup final. It means everything. It's the biggest game of the year, every year, no doubt. That would be the same even if it was a wooden spoon or mid-table Six Nations clash.
In 2019, the two teams meet as the only ones left chasing a Grand Slam. It's going to be huge and I can't wait. My head says England will win and my heart Wales, but what I am certain of is that we will see Warren Gatland's side produce the goods at Principality Stadium.
It's time for the real Wales to stand up and be counted. It's now or never. The build-up to the game in Cardiff will be humongous. I'm sure Eddie Jones will be throwing a few verbal grenades this week. Warren won't be afraid to lob one back either I'm sure.
What Wales must do is cut through the noise. I must admit I've been disappointed with their performances so far. I don't want to be too critical because ultimately Wales are 11 matches unbeaten and if they make it 12, they will statistically become the best team in Welsh history. That's not to be sniffed at, but we need to see the team improve quickly.
If they don't do that, then trouble is around the corner. Both matches so far – in France and Italy – have been poor from a Wales perspective. Our line-out has been a shambles and we've looked disjointed in attack. We can't do that against England.
I'm sure it won't happen either. A lot of things need to go Wales' way to win, but if you break it down I think there are three key areas where Wales need to come out on top.
The first aspect is the kicking game. A lot has been said about England's physicality and work in the tight in their two games so far, but the thing they have done best for me has been their tactical kicking. It's been perfect.
Henry Slade has made a real difference in that area as an extra kicking option in midfield, and as he's left footed, adds balance to their team.
Wales can't afford to let England routinely make ground as they did against Les Bleus. If they're constantly struggling for territory, England's scrum and line-out will squeeze the life out of Wales. There will then be no way back.
That's why I'd start Dan Biggar, if his leg injury yesterday at North-ampton is nothing to worry about.
I've been a big fan of Gareth Anscombe and argued for his inclusion in the autumn, but it's horses for courses for me in this situation. Dan's kicking game will be crucial and, vitally, he also knows what it's like to lead a team which can beat England. He did exactly that at the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
If Dan and Wales can kick to compete and at the very least prove equal in the aerial battle, it will go a long way to securing a Welsh success. Liam Williams will also play a crucial role here as a covering full-back. Leigh Halfpenny is poised to miss the game, so Liam will be at 15. We all know how good he is from that position in attack, but his defensive awareness will have to be on point.
My second point – and this is vital – is that Wales must win the first 20 minutes. England are fast starters and if Warren's boys fall behind after the first quarter, I'm not sure they'll come back. I know Wales overturned a 16-0 deficit to beat France, but England won't be anywhere near as accommodating. Wales have to be out of the blocks fast and need to watch out for Jonny May.
The Leicester flyer is the in-form wing in the Championship. He's on fire. I have my concerns May could give George North the run around in attack, and that's why we need to get him going backwards and not forwards with some tactical kicking. What concerns me is Wales have been slow out of the blocks so far. They were shocking in the opening 40 in Paris. Against Italy they never looked like losing and totally dominated the first half, yet they led only 12-7 at the break.
If Wales aren't pumped from the off for England, then there is something wrong. We simply must be in touch after 20 minutes and preferably be ahead to stand a chance of coming out on top.
In my opinion the Wales team to face England picks itself. I'd have Dan at fly-half with Gareth Davies at scrum-half. It's getting close to the point now where Warren needs to know who his first-choice half backs will be for the World Cup.
The only other real selection dilemma is at lock alongside Alun- Wyn Jones. It would be tempting to plump for Jake Ball or Cory Hill, but I'd just edge for Adam Beard. He's still a young player and even though Wales' line-out has been awful to date, I think Adam is worth persevering with. He's won all ten of his Tests for Wales, I'd have killed for that record!
Finally, the last of my three points – the Cardiff crowd. In 2013, we saw how much of an impact it can have. That day Wales blew England away 30-3 and I'm sure part of that was down to the atmosphere. It hit England like a brick wall and they could never recover.
I was working on TV in 2013 and all I can remember was thinking this is absolutely amazing. England simply couldn't cope in the Cardiff cauldron and Wales' supporters have to raise the roof again in hope of a repeat.
Some of the England players who froze that day are now more senior and I don't think the atmosphere will have as big an impact on Saturday as it did in 2017.
That's not to say though it can't have any impact at all. England do have young players who will not know much about playing at Principality Stadium, such as Tom Curry. Then there are guys like May, Ben Moon, Mark Wilson and Slade who are no novices, yet players who haven't played reams and reams of Test rugby. The fact England are without the power and experience of the injured Maro Itoje and Mako Vunipola is a huge boost for Wales as Mako has just been unreal in the tournament so far. If Moon replaces Mako, I'd try and target him with Tomas Francis and Samson Lee both impressive tighthead options.
Wales have more than enough ability to win, but they have one key injury of their own and I'd like to end my column this week by wishing Leigh Halfpenny all the best.
Leigh is unlikely to face England as he continues his recovery from concussion. I must admit his situation is a big concern to me. The tackle he took against Australia in November wasn't the biggest, but it has left a huge mark and the real worry is the uncertainty for Leigh.
In many ways I'm glad Leigh is unlikely to play this weekend as it shows he is being well looked after. He has just become a father to a gorgeous baby girl and his family will want him at home safe and sound. Wales against England in the Six Nations is gargantuan, but it's nothing compared to a man's well-being. Get well soon Leigh.