An unremarkable Six Nations has thrown up what promises to be a thrilling Cardiff finale as Wales and England meet on Saturday with the title, a grand slam and potentially selection for the British and Irish Lions squad up for grabs.
The Welsh, with momentum behind them after three straight wins, will love nothing more than to deny the English a first grand slam in 10 years and retain the championship against all the odds, having started the Six Nations in complete disarray.
England, meanwhile, looks to complete their transformation from World Cup embarrassments to kings of Europe in the space of 18 months under the stewardship of Stuart Lancaster.
“It will take an outstanding effort but we have done it before – we have been to away games and won, we have played the best side in the world at home and won,” Lancaster said of his charges’ form since downing New Zealand in December.
“We go in with a strong self-belief. We have won four from four and the New Zealand game as well. We have to deal with the occasion and play with composure and accuracy. There is a quiet self-belief.”
Even if the English lose by six points or less, they will win the title.
However, second-place Wales can steal the title by winning by eight points or more.
If Wales’ winning margin is seven points, it will go to tries scored – and the Welsh currently have the edge by two (7-5).
The hosts have come from nowhere, having lost their opening match 30-22 to Ireland to take a winless streak to eight games.
“The players have worked very hard to put themselves in this position for Saturday, with three hard-fought victories on the road,” interim Wales coach Robert Howley said.
There will be Lions selection head-to-heads all over the Millennium Stadium, notably the battle of the flankers between Sam Warburton and Chris Robshaw.
Both are in the running to be Lions captain for the tour of Australia.
Wales loosehead prop Gethin Jenkins has returned from injury and takes the captaincy armband from Ryan Jones, who is out with a shoulder injury.
England rushed flanker Tom Croft back into their starting team as one of four changes, with prop Joe Marler and halves Owen Farrell and Ben Youngs also recalled.