England wait for Wales' fly-half announcement before finalising defensive plans

England defence coach Paul Gustard revealed that the team management will be altering their plans in the upcoming Six Nations clash, depending on the fly-half announcement made by Wales.

Dan Biggar was the preferred number 10 for Wales in the clash against Italy, but an injury to him, saw Sam Davies replacing the 27-year-old at the start of the second half.

Gustard admitted that England's defence strategy will vary depending on which playmaker will start for Wales on Saturday.

"Sam is a bit flatter to the line and he takes on the line a bit more. Biggar is a bit deeper back, but he has other strengths," Gustard said.

"It is not so much that we have to change defensively depending on their selection, but we have to have a heightened awareness of somebody.

"The kick and regather is definitely a strength of Dan Biggar's game, he is aerially very strong.

"He's got a good cross-field kick as well and you saw a lot of that in the first half against Italy - and against South Africa as well.

"Davies comes to the line a bit flatter and tries to put balls across the face of defenders, so we just have to have an awareness about their individual skills.

"Whichever 10 they pick, Wales have a style of attack that they are developing. It is evolving and they are heading in a certain direction in terms of how they want to play.

"For us defensively, it may change a little bit with Sam, but fundamentally we need to get our things in order.

"We have discussed both 10s and how their likely traits might pan out, but we have also looked at some areas we want to work on from the France game and some key fundamentals that we need to get right."

Another injury casualty to Wales during the game against Italy was George North, who suffered a dead leg and Gustard believes he will be a force to reckon if passed fit.

"I think teams may or may not put more numbers on him which would open up more opportunities," Gustard said.

"He's still a handful. He can hurt you because of his strength, he's quick. He's keen to be involved in the game at all times. He's a good player."

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