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Six Nations | Group Stage
Feb 23, 2019 at 4.45pm UK
 
Wales
21-13
England
Hill (68'), Adams (78')
FT
Curry (27')

McBryde points to Gravell play as inspiration for Six Nations victory

McBryde points to Gravell play as inspiration for Six Nations victory
© Reuters
Wales face England in a crunch clash at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Robin McBryde says "there will only be one result" on Saturday if Wales match the standards of a patriotic one-man play they watched in England's Principality Stadium changing room.

Wales players and members of the coaching staff and management were treated to a private performance of Grav, which is based on the life of former Wales international centre and broadcaster Ray Gravell, who died in 2007.

It was performed by Welsh actor Gareth J Bale – not to be confused with the superstar Wales footballer -in the stadium's away team changing room, and left McBryde emotionally recounting the Monday night memory.

A graphic of Wales v England
(PA Graphics)

"We had a fantastic experience, and we should have played straight after that, to be honest with you," Wales assistant coach McBryde said.

It really put us in a good place, mentally-wise. If we can in any way match Gareth Bale's performance of last night on Saturday, it doesn't matter if the (stadium) roof is open or closed, there will only be one result.

"It was a great way to kick off the week to really focus people's minds. But we have to put it under wraps until we draw on that experience on Saturday.

"We have got to be on top of our game. There is no hiding place on Saturday."

Wales v Australia – Autumn International – Principality Stadium
George North thinks Gravell's story will be inspirational (David Davies/PA)

Wales wing George North was among the audience, and he added: "The play was very good, it was powerful. It definitely showed the pride that Grav had, and we all have, in Wales.

"I could hear 'Muckers' (McBryde) chomping at the bit in the end. Him and Ken Owens were fighting over the hooker's shirt at one point!

"Pride is still something I feel, and I know all the boys feel when they put on the jersey.

"Sometimes rugby is methodical and you have to go through your plays and set-pieces, your moves in attack, but there is no lack of pride there, that's for sure.

"When the anthem is sung, the cheering has finished and the whistle goes, everybody wants to be there.

Dan Biggar could return for Wales against England
Dan Biggar could return for Wales against England (Mike Egerton/PA)

"I think you look back on being a young boy playing in the park, and those memories go through your mind as you get ready to go."

Leigh Halfpenny and Dan Biggar, meanwhile, are both in training with Wales ahead of the Guinness Six Nations showdown against England.

Scarlets full-back Halfpenny has not played since suffering concussion when Wales beat Australia on November 10.

And fly-half Biggar went off with his knee heavily strapped during Northampton's Gallagher Premiership victory over Sale Sharks three days ago.

Wales released Halfpenny back to the Scarlets for last weekend's Guinness PRO14 appointment with Benetton, but he was not included in their match-day 23.

Leigh Halfpenny, who has been out since November, could make his comeback against England
Leigh Halfpenny, who has been out since November, could make his comeback against England (Nigel French/PA)

McBryde added: "They are training with us, so hopefully they will be fit enough for selection.

"Leigh was released but didn't play, last week. We just felt that he needed a little bit more contact, so that is what he is going to have. We will measure both of them as the week goes on."

Both Wales and England are unbeaten after two rounds of the championship, with Saturday's clash being billed by many as a title eliminator.

Wales are also on an 11-match undefeated run, with one more victory required to break their all-time record set between 1907 and 1910.

McBryde added: "It's a big game. England are riding high on the back of two very good performances. We have got to really stand toe to toe and go at it with them."

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Leigh Halfpenny in action for Wales on November 10, 2018
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