James Haskell urges England not to be distracted by 'passionate fans' in Wales

England back-row James Haskell has warned his team-mates of hostile reception at Principality Stadium where they take on host Wales in the upcoming Six Nations encounter on Saturday.

England started their Six Nations title defence with a 19-16 win over France at Twickenham last weekend but a more daunting task awaits them on Saturday when they face Rob Howley's men.

In the 61 games, England have played in Wales, they won just 21 games and lost 36 with a win per cent of just under 38.

Recalling the 2015 tunnel stand-off with officials where former captain Chris Robshaw refused to take England to the Millennium Stadium pitch first and the 2013 face-off, Haskell urged his team-mates not to be distracted by the side-show.

"You know you what Wales are going to do. As a team they are very direct. But it is one thing knowing, it another thing stopping it," he said.

"We have to go there solely focused on ourselves but understand exactly what it is about.

"When we went there and lost the Grand Slam in 2013 we were a bit wet behind the ears in terms of what to expect. Last time we understood that.

"There were guys who had had that experience before and we have that in the squad now ready to kick on.

"It is about not being distracted by the side-show that goes with it. It is about not being distracted by the crowd and the noise. You have to go there, deliver your job and then leave.

"Everyone wants to beat England. Everyone is always hostile, especially to me. The (Principality Stadium) is up there. The Welsh are passionate fans."

Two years back, Haskell famously ran into one a post at the stadium as he hurtled towards the whitewash in search of a rare try.

"That was the closest I have been to scoring a try in a while. Everyone laughed at it but I almost broke my neck," he said.

"I managed to not lose the ball and we scored the next phase, so I will take that. I thought I would do the old hit and spin. Unfortunately my radar was a bit off.

"These things happen, you know. It has made a great highlight reel and comedy so I have brought that to the world."

Our 6 Nations cover is sponsored by Allett Mowers