Cardiff abuse will 'rev up' England, says Chessum

Raphinha at the double in comfortable victory

- Robert Kitson

England are braced for a "hostile" welcome on and off the field in Cardiff when they head across the Severn Bridge for the final Six Nations instalment this weekend. The lock Ollie Chessum has not forgotten some of the abuse directed at England's players by Welsh fans two years ago and he suggests it will "rev up" the visitors for the game on Saturday.

Chessum, who was named player of the match after his side's seven-try win against Italy on Sunday, says England are determined to finish their campaign on a high note and are prepared for the "special" reception they receive before Six Nations games in Cardiff, most recently in 2023.

"We were there for two days prior to the game and everywhere the bus goes abuse seems to follow," Chessum said. "On the day of the game that last half-mile stretch [to the stadium] is just packed with fans. There are a few English dotted around and you can hear them but the abuse from the Welsh fans is something that will live long in the memory. Everywhere else is out in the sticks [but] the Principality [Stadium] is slap bang in the mixer and they all want to bite at you.