Maggie Alphonsi says that Wales must look to disrupt England if they are to cause a huge upset against the Red Roses in round three of the Women’s Six Nations on Saturday.
Former England player Alphonsi never lost to Wales in nine games against them during her international career, but speaking on The Rugby Paper Podcast, revealed she is impressed by the impact of professionalism on their team since it was introduced in March 2022.
Although she believes their discipline must improve to challenge England, after they conceded 15 penalties against Scotland in their last game, she also thinks it is vital that they show England no respect if they want to cause a shock.
“Discipline is really important against England because even though they haven’t got their normal kickers Holly Aitchison’s got a really good boot on her, Lagi Tuima the same.
“But I also would say to Wales: don’t give England too much respect. I guess I don’t really need to say that because they don’t like doing that anyway!
“I think it’s important they just come out and just take England on and absolutely attack them. Don’t give them space, don’t respect them in the set piece or the loose and just really have a go.
“England don’t always get that, I think sometimes teams are just in awe of them and they just sit back and let the Red Roses run at them.
“The Welsh team have so many players in the Premier 15s so know them quite well and know how to take them on.”
Wales have made a hugely promising start to the tournament, sitting behind England only on points difference after bonus point wins in both of their first two games.
And Alphonsi believes that high-stakes fixtures, like Saturday’s match against the Red Roses, will only serve to strengthen the already improving performance of their women’s national team.
“If Wales continue to be exposed to the right level of pressure, that side will only continue to learn, and they’ve got a lot of players coming through.
“It’s about making the right decisions when the pressure is really on, they’re the real scenarios where you can get better and I feel like Wales will only grow.”
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