Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny are both training with Wales this week, putting them in contention to make the crunch Six Nations clash with England.
Quite what the chances are of the full-back being involved remain to be seen, given that he has not played since November due to concussion issues.
But news on Biggar is positive, after he limped out of Northampton's thumping win over Sale at the weekend after having trouble with the medial ligament in his left knee.
As for England, they have now officially confirmed that Maro Itoje will miss the clash after sounding positive on his fitness earlier this week, he too is battling knee ligament trouble.
Here's how the day unfolded...
Players make night-time trip to England dressing room
This is a bit different.
The Wales players went down to the stadium last night and invited Welsh actor Gareth Bale to perform ‘Grav’.
It’s a hit play that tells the patriotic story of the late Ray ‘Grav’ Gravell, one of the nation’s most-loved rugby players.
It had a profound effect on those present.
Itoje ruled out
England have officially ruled Maro Itoje out of Saturday’s match.
There had been hope that he’d prove himself fit but knee ligament damage suffered in the Ireland clash will see him miss the game against Wales.
“Maro is continuing his rehabilitation on a daily basis. He will not be available for Saturday’s game.”
Steve Borthwick
John Terry at England training
Former England skipper and centre-back John Terry was at England training today.
Press conference ends
That’s your lot from the press conference for now.
We’ll be speaking to some players shortly but we won’t be allowed to bring you any of that until later this evening.
Here are some of the headlines from that press conference...
- Biggar and Halfpenny are in training
- McBryde steered away from getting into verbal jousting with Eddie Jones
- He says atmosphere will be ‘red hot’ whether roof is open or shut
McBryde on Gatland being linked with England job
“Best of luck to him. He’s a good coach.
“He’s got to go somewhere … if they can afford him!”
Robin McBryde
McBryde looks ahead to England
The pressure is getting up there with regards to building momentum in the first couple of games result wise then you have had that spare week to work and improve on things.
We have got big match players who have been there and done it and we need to improve on that experience. We need to draw on that.
If we win, it would be the best of the lot, definitely. You would be three from three and really on track.
Robin McBryde
McBryde on the roof
The roof won’t make a difference on Saturday - the weather forecast is good.
Whether it’s shut or not depends on Eddie Jones.
The atmosphere is going to be red hot, whether’s it’s shut or not.
Robin McBryde
McBryde on England losing Vunipola
For England to lose a player like Mako Vunipola is a blow for them but they have got strength in depth.
When they announce their team on Thursday we can look at individuals.
Robin McBryde
McBryde 'not entering into those games'
I’m not going to enter into those games.
I’m privileged to be doing what I am. We know Saturday is a big step and we have to match England with the World Cup around the corner. We have got to stand toe to toe with them.
Stats are one thing - we know we haven’t been at our best in our first two games. We are going to have to earn everything against England.
We have had a comfortable feel this week.
Robin McBryde
McBryde on England
We’ve only had to look at the opening 20 minutes of England versus France to see how clinical they are.
We have got to weather the opening storm. It’s a big test and we are going to have to be at our best.
We have got to think, think, think for 80 minutes and be on top of our game.
Robin McBryde
Halfpenny and Biggar in training
“Leigh Halfpenny and Dan Biggar are training with us and hopefully will both be available for selection.
“Leigh needed a bit more contact in training. He hadn’t had enough last week - that’s why he didn’t play at the weekend.
“We are building him up this week. There’s no way we would put somebody in a position he’s not comfortable with. Those discussions will take place later this week.”
Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde
Slight delay
Stick with us.
It appears we’re slightly delayed but will be bringing you live updates as soon as the coach gets here.
Press conference coming up
Wales will be holding a press conference at 1:00pm.
Stay tuned for live updates!
'We love giving the English a bloody nose!'
Former Wales captain Michael Owen has given his thoughts ahead of this weekend’s game.
Again, he points out that Wales will be relishing the underdogs tag.
Read his full column with Planet Rugby here...
“It’s an interesting thought but us Welsh are always at our best against England when we’re underdogs.
“We love giving the English a bloody nose and this weekend will be no exception.
“England have been wonderfully impressive so far against a stuttering Ireland and an abysmal France. They’ve relied on huge accuracy and delivery of a predefined game-plan with incredible pressure in defence.
“Wales haven’t been at their best, yet they’ve gotten into a winning habit despite injury and disruption.”
Former Wales skipper Michael Owen
Shanks' predictions
Former Wales star Tom Shanklin has given his thoughts ahead of the game this weekend.
He says Wales will relish the underdog tag and, should they upset England, they’ll go on to win the Championship.
Read his full Six Nations column here...
“It’s always nice for a team like Wales to come into this game at home and be underdogs as well.
“The pressure is on England, because everyone talking about the hype of England, how well they’ve played.
“So, the pressure is on England and we always say in Wales that suits a Welsh team better, and you look at some of the previous Grand Slams that Wales have won – they’ve not been expected to win and they’ve been underdogs.
“And if Wales potentially win against England at the weekend, they’ll go on to win the Championship. I’ll put money on it – not much, but a bit!”
Former Wales centre Tom Shanklin
Gatland and England assistant used to live together
Warren Gatland and England assistant John Mitchell go way back.
The duo played together for Waikato 124 times back in the day.
They also lived together but played for rival teams at one point, putting a bit of stress on their relationship.
“Warren probably thinks he was a better house-mate than me and I was the untidy one!
“It was a bit of a student house.
“We were at opposite clubs as well - he played for Hamilton Old Boys and I played for Fraser Tech.
“We were arch rivals so whenever we played each other there was always competitive tension that night so one would leave the house for the night.
“I was the one to want my focus a bit earlier so I would go to my girlfriend’s. I’d just depart without any consultation.”
John Mitchell, England defence coach
On Gatland, Mitchell added...
“He just had the ability to manage people very well.
“He’s had different experiences which I guess have allowed him to impart. And clearly he’s been a long-time coach, the majority of it successful.
“He’s had to basically grow a rugby nation as well. And he’s done that well. And he hasn’t accepted any limits, continuing to raise the bar with them, which gives you an idea as to the way he leads.
“He’s very good with people. He’s got a good way of motivating people. He’s funny as well.”
John Mitchell, England defence coach
Itoje in contention to face Wales?
England assistant John Mitchell has suggested Maro Itoje could be fit to face Wales this weekend.
It could all be a bit of mind games but it sounds like the lock is recovering nicely.
The 24-year-old suffered medial ligament damage during the win over Ireland.
But it appears he could feature in Cardiff.
“He’s certainly progressing really well.
“I’ll leave that to the medical team and the boss [Eddie Jones] but we’re very encouraged by what we see.”
John Mitchell
Genge set for new tattoo
England prop Ellis Genge is a bit larger than life.
He’s got a tattoo on his foot to represent every international team he’s played against.
The 24-year-old has a wallaby, a shamrock, a springbok and a puma.
He’ll get a dragon if he features this weekend.
“I have got all my Test matches on my foot. I’ll get a dragon if I play Wales. All on my foot.
“I have got some tattoos on my other foot and I didn’t really want to get tattoos on my arms and stuff.
“I didn’t really know what I wanted, so I just got one on my foot and it kept going from there.”
Ellis Genge
France name their side
Before we get really stuck into Wales v England today, France have named their side to face Scotland.
Halfpenny in training
To start the day off on a good note.
Here are some pictures of Leigh Halfpenny in training, with a smile on his face.
It’s been a difficult few months for the full-back.
In the second one, just look over Ross Moriarty’s left shoulder to see a big grin on his face.
Good morning!
Welcome to our live breaking news blog for all things Wales v England.
Both teams will be holding press conferences today as we continue to build-up to the mouthwatering clash at the Principality Stadium this weekend.
Warren Gatland’s side head into this one off the back of back-to-back victories on the road against Italy and France.
England’s confidence will be sky high after thumping wins over Ireland and France.
We’ll be bringing you all the latest throughout the day. So stay tuned!