England v Wales

We were a bit cautious with this one, but a big victory for England meant that doubling up on the win, and the handicap, would have seen a reasonable profit.

England v Wales, Saturday 4pm

These matches are going to be interesting as coaches try and settle on a full strength side while hoping to avoid injuries and also ensure most players get some game time.

For Brian Ashton it is worse, as he has admitted that he is still trialling players – a hangover from the bug ridden tour of SA in June.

There will be lots of indepth analysis for the World Cup group stages in coming weeks so for these warm-ups we will stick just to the matches in isolation and learn for the following 7 weeks.

Selection news – Shaun Perry scrum-half for England. Cueto to full back and Strettle on the wing. Farrell is given another chance to impress in centre with new boy Dan Hipkiss outside him. Andrew Sherdian in front row.

Wales omit Gavin Henson from the whole shebang, Stephen Jones is good for WC after groin tear but not playing yet and Wales will miss Ryan Jones in every match.

Ceri Sweeney in at fly half and rest of side a bit of a mix and match.

Now the Englaish pack looks bulky – especially Vickery, Regan, Sheridan front row, but thd backrow looks slow, Easter and Corry in particular.

Wales – who ever knows what Welsh side will turn up. They have talent and free-spirited momentum but also an ability to implode – take last years Six Nations for example.

England – 1/5
Wales 4/1

I am generally wary of warm-ups and friendlies, but as it is effectively a showcase for selection and I expect it to be pretty uncompromising and bad news for Wales.

The 1/5 is skinny but backable. I will also have a little bit with England -12 points at 4/5