That is the view of interim head coach Rob Howley and prop Gethin Jenkins, who will lead Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
Howley’s men know a seven point victory could see them retain their Six Nations crown while an English win would secure a first Grand Slam in 10 years.
But after being named captain with Ryan Jones out injured, Jenkins says he won’t be the only leader on the pitch.
“There’s been a big emphasis on leadership in this campaign. We felt from the autumn we were a bit quiet so it won’t just be me making decisions out there,” said the prop who will re-join Cardiff Blues next season.
“People like Alun Wyn Jones, nine and 10 – they will all be thinking about the next play. For me, it’s just a case of slotting in, saying a few words and getting the boys heads on for the game on Saturday.”
He added: “Ryan’s done a great job. He came in and slotted into it easily and hopefully it will be the same for me. There are a lot of people with input and it’s about playing as well as you can and leading the boys out.”
With Jenkins returning to lead the side, Sam Warburton is left to concentrate on his role in the back row alongside Justin Tipuric and Toby Faletau. The Blues flanker moves to the blind side with Tipuric at seven in what looks an exciting back row combination.
And after recovering from a calf strain to start on Saturday, Howley has given Jenkins the captaincy, something he says he is more than comfortable with.
“Alun Wyn has obviously come into the squad late but I felt he had to concentrate on his preparation,” said the former Wales scrum half.
“In terms of Gethin, he captained against Australia in the play-off and has been captain many times before when Ryan or Sam have gone off.
“We’re comfortable. We’ve spoken about leadership and it’s not just about the captain, it’s about the unity within the squad. We’re lucky to have that number of leaders within the squad and Gethin gets that responsibility this weekend.”
Of the many intriguing battles in Saturday’s game, the partnership of Tipuric and Warburton in the back row will be one to get most Welsh fans licking their lips.
The two flankers worked well together in the second half of last week’s victory at Murrayfield and take on an English back row of captain Chris Robshaw, Tom Wood and Tom Croft.
And with the breakdown such a vital area of any game, Howley is looking forward to seeing the pair in action from the start.
“I was really pleased with the way they (Warburton and Tipuric) worked together last week,” he added.
“I think pressure on the ball is going to be vital on Saturday and we’ve got two world class number sevens.
“It’s going to be a special atmosphere at the weekend and we have to embrace it. It’s not new territory for us.”
