So, Wales boss Steve Tandy has named his side and outlined the reasons why he's gone for Louis Rees-Zammit at full-back, Eddie James at outside centre and Josh Macleod at open-side flanker.

It will be a HUGE shock if there is a Welsh success in London on Saturday but a constant theme of the head coach's press conference was "opportunity" and "challenge".

Wales shipped half-centuries three times in the autumn to Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa and will expect to be more competitive at Twickenham.

There is talent in this Welsh team but can they match England's power and depth? Not too long to find out.

See you in Twickenham.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

That wraps up Steve Tandy's live press conference. The Wales head coach has now headed off with the written media to give some more thoughts that will be published in the coming hours.

Tandy got a first taste of being boss in the autumn but this is his first Six Nations under the microscope after previously being Gregor Townsend's assistant.

It doesn't any bigger for a Wales head coach than England week.

On England's bench and the return of Tomas Francis: "Tomas has come back in and does add experience but he's also fit, has been playing.

"England have a world-class bench but it's exciting and a challenge.

"This is an unbelievable opportunity to go to Twickenham and challenge ourselves.

"Irrelevant of outcome, a lot of these boys will experience something they haven't done before."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Karl: "I have real question marks about selections of Ben Thomas, Josh Adams and Adam Beard. Beard doesn't offer any go forward and gets turned over way too often. Adams is nowhere near the form of 2019-21 and Ben Thomas offers no point of difference. He's okay at regional level but it is about translating it to the red jersey."

Ed: "A back three to nullify Ford's kicking game but plenty of attacking power with Rees-Zammit and Mee. Not sure on Ben Thomas at 12 but it has meant Tandy can have two back replacements which makes sense giving the strength of the England pack. Defence is huge for Wales, they proved they could score in the autumn but they'll need to really front up on Saturday."

Chris: "Josh Adams is a liability these days."

On the turmoil in Welsh rugby, Tandy said: "They have been outstanding.

"They have been so focused on the game and how we want to grow our team.

"We are a little bit further ahead than the autumn and some of the training standards are sharper.

"As coaches we have been able to delve into more detail."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Gerallt: "Wales had little chance of winning in Twickenham but with Mann, Beard, Adams, Thomas and Belcher included we have no chance."

Gareth: "What have Cracknell and Reffell done not to be in the 23? Far better players than Plumtree and Macleod (both penalty makers) and hey know the English players."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

On being underdogs: "Internally, the boys believe in what we are trying to do.

"Outside, why would people give us a chance? But it isn't about the outside noise.

"It's about how we become better. What do we want to be? The only thing we can control is how we prepare and train to be better than the autumn.

"This is an exciting challenge. I know people will write us off but when we look at ourselves in the mirror afterwards, were we better than the autumn?"

Tandy says he expects a big aerial battle and lots of "crumbs on the deck".

"We have been surviving for a while but we want to play our game, there will be ebbs and flows," said Tandy.

"We want to grow and play our game.

"It's an unbelievable venue to do that but we are on the start of a journey and have to back ourselves.

"The only way to learn is by experiencing. We can't just be in survival mode, we have to attack the game with and without the ball."

Image source, Getty Images

Colin: "No Cracknell. Adams, Belcher, Mann, it's Sherratt's team not Tandy. Scandalous"

Steveo: "I'm a proud Welshman and the last few years have hurt. But, I do feel that Tandy can work with this young group of players and, given time, could create a winning team. I would have possibly gone Hawkins for Thomas but I'm splitting hairs. It's a powerful bench, which we're going to need! We just need the WRU to actually help the process by sorting their own house out now!"

Simon: "England's bench will change the score line massively when they come on."

Tandy reveals that coach Duncan Jones has suffered blows to both knees and needs an operation.

He collided with a player and has been to see a surgeon. Wales will see if he will be fit enough to remain as part of the management team.

Assistant Danny Wilson has previously worked at the set piece.

On starting Louis Rees-Zammit at full-back: "Zammo is threatening if there is a kick too long.

"As much as he is quick, he is a big, big man."

Steve Tandy on the centre partnership: "It has been really competitive and we have watched a lot of games.

"Eddie James is a big, big man and I am excited to see him going."

On Josh Macleod: "He has been really unfortunate with injuries but it's testament to his character the way he has kept going and kept getting better.

"I am really excited to see how he attacks the game."

Steve Tandy named his squad when news had just broken about the owners of the Ospreys being the preferred bidder to take over Cardiff.

The Wales head coach had to field plenty of off-field questions on that occasion but things should be a little more regulation this time.

Tandy has just entered the room.

Remember to have your say on the Wales team announcement using the 'Send us your views' box on the left.

It is almost time to head over to the Vale Resort in south Wales where head coach Steve Tandy is about to speak to the media following his team announcement.

Click the play button at the top of the page to watch live.

Image source, Getty Images

Prop Ellis Genge says he is braced for Wales to take out their frustrations on England when the sides meet in their Six Nations openers on Saturday.

Wales have lost 20 of 22 Tests since the 2023 Rugby World Cup while a controversial restructuring of their domestic game continues in the background.

"Although there has been a bit of turmoil over the last 12 months and a lot of tough discussions behind the scenes, everyone knows that a Wales team who are a bit damaged, coming to Twickenham, is not going to be an easy game by any means," said Genge.

Read more from the England prop ahead of Saturday's game here.

Jonathan Davies
Former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre

“Eddie James has had a good season. He showed a lot over the Christmas period in the derby matches and looks comfortable wearing the 13 jersey.

“He’s very talented, he’s comfortable with the ball and can spread it well. He’s a big man, and I’m sure Steve Tandy will want him to use his power and strength to get front foot ball.

“The game’s very physical and one of the most important things to do is go forward.

"I’m sure Eddie’s job over the weekend will be to make sure that Wales are going forward when in possession.”

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Tomas Francis will win his 78th cap off the bench for Wales.

The 33-year-old has not played international rugby since the 2023 World Cup quarter-final defeat by Argentina in Marseille.

Wales have struggled to fill the tight-head prop void left by Francis, who has played 77 internationals, won Six Nations titles in 2019 and 2021, and featured in the World Cups of 2015, 2019 and 2023.

After leaving Ospreys in 2023, Francis will arrive at Sale Sharks from the French second division team Provence for the start of the 2026-27 season.

Francis, who will aim to play in a fourth World Cup next year in Australia, backs up Bath's Archie Griffin at Twickenham with Sam Wainwright the other tight-head prop in the squad.

Charlie: "I think that Rees Zammit at full back could be a risky choice for Tandy."

Alex: "Massive task for Wales on Saturday against a very strong England team. I will be there cheering them on - hoping and even praying for a miracle result! Come on Wales!"

Former Ireland fly-half Ronan O'Gara has revealed why he distanced himself from the Wales job in December 2024.

Now head coach at La Rochelle, O'Gara reflects on the current state of Welsh rugby over brunch with Sarra Elgan.