Rugby World Cup 2015: ‘It is going to be an arm-wrestle’ – Alex Corbisiero on England v Wales
Alex Corbisiero is expecting a titanic World Cup battle between England and Wales on Saturday night.
Wales enter the Pool A clash as the underdogs having seen a host of key men struck down by injury, but Corbisiero believes Warren Gatland’s side will push the hosts all the way at Twickenham.
“It is going to be an arm-wrestle,” the Lions prop, who narrowly missed out on a place in Stuart Lancaster’s squad after a string of injuries, told the Sports Bar.
“There is so much passion and intensity and Wales always rise to the occasion against England. Yes, they have had injures but they have quality back-ups and a lot of experience to cope with the injuries.
“The England team are due a big performance. We have been slowly building and this is the time to pull the trigger and unleash the beast that is definitely there.
“It is all going to come down to small margins. If England can nullify the threat of [Sam] Warburton and can play around that Welsh defence, and the forwards can get on the front foot, then I think Wales are going to have a very hard time coping with them. But Wales are more than capable of doing the same thing.
"They have got big powerful players, they really like that physical battle, and they will try to impose themselves.
“It will literally come down to small margins of who can get the edge here, who can get the edge there, who can nullify whose threat, and who also can get on the right side of the referee.”
Lancaster’s decision to drop George Ford for Owen Farrell and unleash union rookie Sam Burgess from the start against Wales has sparked fierce debate.
But Corbisiero understands the selection call and believes the incoming duo can prove key for England.
“England are in a position where they have two quality number 10s. George and Owen are right up there in world rugby as 10s," he said.
“Owen has proved himself on that stage a number of times, he is a big game player, and George has had a tremendous run in the 10 shirt. I’m sure Wales are going to fear Owen just as much as they fear George.
“Sam is early into his rugby union career but as soon as you’re in a room with him you know he has that presence about him. He is an achiever, a winner, he’s a great character on and off the field and, being in a training environment with him, he commits 110 per cent .
“This is a big, big test for him early in his international career but he has played in big games before. he has played in this scenario, it is just a different code.
“Jamie Roberts is world class and, having played with him and against him, Sam is going to have to respect him and bring his A game. But Sam is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
“If England get on the front foot and get him into the game, it is going to suit him, regardless of who is in front of him. He is capable of great things and I am wishing him the best.”