Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde knows a thing or two about the stirring atmosphere that Principality Stadium can generate on a Guinness Six Nations Saturday.
And the former international hooker is anticipating that the 75,000-strong home fans will play a significant role once again when Wales welcome England to the lion’s den.
In a clash of the Championship’s two unbeaten sides, something will have to give in the battle for the Grand Slam.
And in a game of fine margins McBryde believes that home advantage could be the key as Warren Gatland’s side bid for the third win of the Championship.
“The atmosphere is going to be red hot, whether it (the roof) is shut or not,” said McBryde.
“The pressure is getting up there with regards to building momentum in the first couple of games result wise then you have had that spare week to work and improve on things.
“We have got big match players who have been there and done it and we need to improve on that experience. We need to draw on that.
“If we win, it would be the best of the lot, definitely. You would be three from three and really on track.”
Wales came from behind to topple France in record-breaking manner in Round 1 of the Championship before battling to victory in Rome against Italy.
But now Gatland’s men get the chance to deploy one of their not-so-secret weapons as they return to one of the Guinness Six Nations’ most famous venues.
And while the atmosphere will no-doubt play a part, McBryde knows that Wales will need their best players out there on the pitch, with one notable addition to the line-up being mooted.
“Leigh Halfpenny and Dan Biggar are training with us and hopefully will both be available for selection,” he continued.
“Leigh needed a bit more contact in training. He hadn’t had enough last week – that’s why he didn’t play at the weekend.
“We are building him up this week. There’s no way we would put somebody in a position he’s not comfortable with. Those discussions will take place later this week.
“We’ve only had to look at the opening 20 minutes of England versus France to see how clinical they are.
“We have got to weather the opening storm. It’s a big test and we are going to have to be at our best.
“We have got to think, think, think for 80 minutes and be on top of our game.”
