England v Wales: Rock-bottom visitors attempt to defy odds

Steve Tandy is the man trying to make something out of this mess.

The 46-year-old, who represented Neath and the Ospreys, became Wales head coach in September, a tradition most threatened by the Welsh Rugby Union streamlining its regional system.

His reputation was built on creating stifling defenses that teams could build from. Scotland and the British and Irish Lions benefited from this.

Leicester also has it. Tandy came in briefly while Wigglesworth was coaching there.

“He seemed like a really nice guy and very committed to what he did,” Wigglesworth said.

“I’ve always been very impressed with the teams he’s been involved in. All the coaches who have worked with him speak highly of him; he’s a good coach.”

England predicted that Tandy would take to the sky and try to level the field.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has suggested his back three could receive up to 50 contested hits.

For the visitors to prevail on Saturday, most will need to follow Wales’ lead.

If so, it will likely be the biggest shock in the fixture’s 145-year history.

If England – with title aspirations – can strike another more modestly, those fleeting, nose-to-nose hellish finishes of yesteryear may seem even further away.

Most Wales fans are preoccupied with damage limitation rather than dreams of victory.

George says he has no fears about the competition’s long-term competitiveness.

“I don’t think it will be a problem,” he said.

“I think Wales will be a good team going forward. I think they will be a good team on Saturday.”

Is it good enough? Is it up to the high standards this match has set in the past? That still seems distant.