Justin Tipuric: Relishing England showdown

Justin Tipuric freely admits Wales will not lack motivation when they tackle Grand Slam-chasing England at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

But the flanker also accepts just how tough a task awaits the reigning RBS 6 Nations champions against the only unbeaten team in this season's tournament.

A win or draw would see Wales deny England their first Grand Slam since 2003, but victory by seven points or more would also rip the title from red rose skipper Chris Robshaw's grasp.

Recent Six Nations history between the countries shows that England have won only two of the last six meetings, although six previous Millennium Stadium encounters in the competition have been shared 3-3.

"We are just concentrating on our job and trying to win the game, that's the biggest thing," Tipuric said.

"It is about making sure the scoreboard is ticking over. You can't go straight out there and try to get a massive lead in 10 minutes - it's not possible.

"It is motivation whenever you play England, you want to win the game. Obviously, being at home as well, and trying to stop them from getting the Grand Slam is a major motivation.

"But it is not going to be easy. They are coming down having not lost a game all championship."

Tipuric, 24, and fellow openside specialist Sam Warburton start a Test match together for the first time tomorrow, and their battle at the breakdown and contact area with England flankers Robshaw and Tom Croft could prove critical.

The Tipuric/Warburton partnership worked superbly well during the second half against Scotland at Murrayfield last Saturday after skipper Ryan Jones went off injured, but this weekend provides an even sterner test.

"We push each other to try to be better," Tipuric added. "You want to make sure you improve every part of your game, and we are all doing our extras in that regard.

"I am not the biggest, so I have to tackle low otherwise I get run over. It's back in school stuff where you have got to take the legs.

"The big advantage of that is then being able to get someone on the ball. As a back-rower that's all you want, to get people down to the ground early and try to get people like Sam and Toby (Faletau) on the ball.

"We are looking forward to it and working as a back row. If we can work as a three, rather than individuals, we should do well."

Tipuric, though, says he is reading little into England's struggle against Italy five days ago, when the Azzurri scored the solitary try of a dour encounter as Robshaw and company ground out an 18-11 success.

"Italy are a tough team and it just showed how good our result was over in Rome against them," he said.

"People don't understand how hard it is to beat an Italian side these days. They are so physical and so hungry for wanting that big win.

"This weekend is more excitement that anything, just being in the Millennium Stadium with a big atmosphere, and for it to be the last game and having a chance to win the title is something extra."