England clash is Wales' World Cup final, says George
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England vice-captain Jamie George says Wales will treat Saturday's clash between the teams in Cardiff like a World Cup final, as the Six Nations builds towards an exciting finale.
With one matchday remaining, England are still in contention for their first championship since 2020, but France are in the driving seat.
A bonus-point victory over Scotland would ensure France win the title, but a defeat would open the door for England to top the pile if they beat Wales at the Principality Stadium.
Third-placed Ireland, meanwhile, need a bonus-point win in Italy – and likely defeats for both France and England – to retain their crown.
England have won nine of their last 11 Six Nations meetings with Wales, who are on their longest ever losing run.
Saturday's hosts have lost 16 straight Tests, and another defeat would see them set a new record for the longest losing streak by any tier-one nation in the professional era (Italy also lost 16 straight from 2019 to 2021).
But George does not expect an easy ride, telling BBC's Rugby Union Weekly podcast: "Wales are going to be so motivated. England against Wales in Cardiff is huge.
"It will be their World Cup final. It doesn't get much bigger than Wales against England in Cardiff."
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Wales are also on an eight-game losing streak at the Principality Stadium in the Six Nations, as many defeats as they suffered in their previous 37 such matches (29 wins).
But George feels they have progressed since they sacked Warren Gatland and appointed Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt in an interim role.
Their last three defeats have all come by a margin of fewer than 10 points, after their previous three came by over 30 points.
"Everyone has seen the progress in their team, so they are not going to roll over and give it to us," George said.
"We are going to have to be ready. It is a six-day turnaround and there are challenges there, but we will be ready to go in Cardiff.
"We are going there looking to win the tournament.
"Obviously there are certain things we can't control with that, but we will be highly motivated."
