England v Wales: How the back rows match up
ByPA Sport
Published 24/09/2015 at 13:17 GMT
England and Wales will face off in a crucial World Cup clash at Twickenham on Saturday, when the victors will enhance their quarter-final chances and losers face a mountain to climb in terms of reaching the knockout stages.
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Here, Press Association Sport looks at a titanic battle that lies ahead between the opposition back rows.
DAN LYDIATE (Wales) v TOM WOOD (England)
LYDIATE
Position: Blindside flanker.
Age: 27.
Caps: 48.
Height: 6ft 4in.
Weight: 17st 7lb.
Strengths: Master of the so-called "chop tackle" whereby Lydiate cuts players down around the ankles with devastating effect. Has a workaholic tackle rate during games, often climbing above 20 per match.
WOOD
Position: Blindside flanker.
Age: 28.
Caps: 39.
Height: 6ft 4in.
Weight: 17st 0lb.
Strengths: Offers a considerable physical presence, and, like Lydiate, the Northampton forward rarely misses a tackle. Also a clever reader of the game and key leader in England's set-up.
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SAM WARBURTON (Wales) v CHRIS ROBSHAW (England)
WARBURTON
Position: Openside flanker.
Age: 26.
Caps: 56.
Height: 6ft 2in.
Weight: 16st 3lb.
Strengths: Has developed into one of the world's leading number sevens. Wales captain Warburton is a masterful exponent of the key breakdown area by regularly snaffling possession for his team, while he also offers a prodigious tackle count.
ROBSHAW
Position: Openside flanker.
Age: 29.
Caps: 39.
Height: 6ft 2in.
Weight: 17st 0lb.
Strengths: England's skipper has proved to be one of their most consistent performers in recent seasons. Maybe not a specialist openside in the Warburton mould, but he is a player who offers so much in so many different areas.
TAULUPE FALETAU (Wales) v BILLY VUNIPOLA (England)
FALETAU
Position: Number eight.
Age: 24.
Caps: 48.
Height: 6ft 2in.
Weight: 17st 3lb.
Strengths: The Wales number eight's durability is extraordinary, having played in 48 of their last 56 Tests, with 47 of those appearances in the starting XV. Rarely has a poor game, and excels in all areas.
VUNIPOLA
Position: Number eight.
Age: 22.
Caps: 20.
Height: 6ft 2in.
Weight: 19st 7lb.
Strengths: Can be a destructive performer on his day with his power and ball-carrying prowess that regularly takes him over the gain line and into the heart of opposition territory. Will have a field day, if allowed the opportunity.
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