Shane Williams is backing Wales Women to push England all the way due to their new-found confidence - 12 months after having no chance against the Red Roses.
Despite emerging victorious in their opening two Women's Six Nations clashes against Ireland and Scotland, Wales will be firm underdogs at the Arms Park on Saturday against a formidable England side.
England have won the last four Six Nations, and are the most well-resourced side in the world game having been professional for a number of years.
Wales only began to turn professional in January 2022 but the progress made since then has been enormous, and Williams expects Ioan Cunningham's side to be extremely competitive this weekend.
"I've certainly gone up against England as massive underdogs, nobody has given us a hope in hell, and we've gone and done the business both home and away," said the former world player of the year.
"They've got to be confident, they've got to be, but this England team is a well-drilled team.
"It will take some performance but never say never. If you'd have asked me 12 months ago I'd have said not a chance but there seems to be an air of confidence within the squad.
"They seem to be enjoying themselves which perhaps they weren't some time ago and sometimes that's just the difference."
Saturday's Test match is arguably Wales' biggest in recent memory with a Triple Crown at stake. Such has been the quality of Wales' performances in their opening two fixtures, the public have voted with their feet by selling out the Arms Park with more than 8,000 fans expected.
But the scale of the challenge should not be underestimated given Wales have only beaten England twice in their Six Nations history.
Williams concedes England are favourites but believes Wales deserve huge credit for the significant progress they've made of late.
"They've made huge progress haven't they, let's be honest," said Williams.
"I know Ioan (Cunningham) who lived locally to me, and I've known him a long time. He's a hard worker and he's certainly done wonders with this team.
"The new contract system has helped and the fact they are professional. Their performances just look more professional, and they look like more of a unit.
"There's some great players playing there, and Hannah Jones the captain is a local girl to me. I know how hard she's had to work over the years, and the fact now they've got these professional contracts is great.
"It's made the world of difference in their performances but England are probably a season or two ahead in the sense they've had this luxury for a little bit longer. They probably feel they are a bit more organised. However, it's the Six Nations and anything can happen."
Shane Williams is part of the Viaplay team bringing every BKT United Rugby Championship game live throughout the season including all the action from the knock-out stages and Grand Final. Shane will join the Viaplay team of Graham Little, Andrew Trimble, Connor Morris and Paul Marshall in Belfast on Friday evening for Ulster v Dragons RFC (live on Viaplay from 7pm). Then on Saturday night he will be analysing all action in the Scottish capital as Edinburgh host Ospreys (live on Viaplay from 7.20pm) alongside Emma Dodds, John Barclay, Rory Hamilton and Connie McLaughlin.
Coverage of all this weekend's Welsh rugby action in the URC will be live on Viaplay including Glasgow Warriors v Scarlets on Friday evening plus Cardiff's trip to Connacht on Saturday.
Visit www.viaplay.com for more information. Viaplay is available on Sky, Virgin TV, Amazon Prime and online through the Viaplay App.
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