Rugby World Cup 2015 - England vs Wales: Sportsmail's experts give their predictions ahead of the big match at Twickenham

By Sportsmail Reporter

Published: 17:53 EST, 25 September 2015 | Updated: 02:57 EST, 26 September 2015

 England and Wales meet in what 2003 World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward calls the most meaningful rugby encounter ever between the two countries on Saturday at Twickenham.

With the two sides, and Australia, battling for only a pair of places in the quarter-final, a win is essential for both sides. 

So who do Sportsmail's panel of rugby experts believe will win at Twickers and by how much?

Scroll down for video 

Chris Robshaw leads England against Wales in the most meaningful rugby clash between the two sides

Chris Robshaw leads England against Wales in the most meaningful rugby clash between the two sides

 

EDDIE JONES (Japan coach, Sportsmail columnist)

England have gone from a team who can play a number of ways to only one way, but they’ll do it. More X-factor out wide. George North has lost his mojo.

VERDICT: England by 5pts

CHRIS FOY (Daily Mail Rugby Correspondent)

Wales have not been clinical grasping try-scoring chances, and superior English finishing may prove decisive if openings are scarce.

VERDICT: England by 2pts

As far as the majority of Sportsmail's experts are concerned, Sam Warburton's men are the underdogs 

As far as the majority of Sportsmail's experts are concerned, Sam Warburton's men are the underdogs 

Sir Clive Woodward (left) and Eddie Jones agree on a narrow margin in England's favour - to read the 2003 World Cup-winning coach's interview with the current Japan coach CLICK HERE 

Sir Clive Woodward (left) and Eddie Jones agree on a narrow margin in England's favour - to read the 2003 World Cup-winning coach's interview with the current Japan coach CLICK HERE 

MARTIN CASTROGIOVANNI (Italy prop, Sportsmail columnist)

England’s pack will be thinking ‘we’re tougher than you’ and ‘we’re stronger than you’. But Wales have experience so I think it will be all-square.

VERDICT: Draw

SIR CLIVE WOODWARD (World Cup-winning coach)

Forwards discover true form, Wales reduced to 14 men, penalty count favours England. Ford kicks winning penalty in last minute.

VERDICT: England by 3pts

MARTYN WILLIAMS (Former Wales captain)

Big-game experience to edge it for Wales. Guys like Sam Warburton, Alun Wyn Jones and Jamie Roberts are Lions who won Grand Slams.

VERDICT: Wales by 3pts

Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni can't separate the two sides, even if one side may be more confident

Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni can't separate the two sides, even if one side may be more confident

Wales legend Martyn Williams (right) believes his countrymen have the big game experience to win

Wales legend Martyn Williams (right) believes his countrymen have the big game experience to win

SAM PETERS (Mail on Sunday Rugby Correspondent)

Home advantage is huge and Twickenham will be rockin’. Have a sneaky feeling Slammin’ Sam will rise to the occasion. 

VERDICT: England by 9pts

NIK SIMON (Rugby Writer)

Steely Wales a bit like Saracens, who George Ford struggled to unlock in Premiership final. Owen Farrell may hold the key.

VERDICT: England by 5pts

 

Comments (42)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now