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Wales look to legend ahead of crunch England clash

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The theatre of the Guinness Six Nations is seldom left in any doubt but Wales have taken the phrase at a more literal value as they prepare to host England when the Championship returns on Saturday.

The theatre of the Guinness Six Nations is seldom left in any doubt but Wales have taken the phrase at a more literal value as they prepare to host England when the Championship returns on Saturday.

Warren Gatland’s men were privy to a special performance depicting the life of legendary Welsh centre Ray Gravell in the away changing room of Principality Stadium, starring actor Gareth Bale.

With Wales looking to end England’s unbeaten start to Rugby’s Greatest Championship, as well as breaking their own record of consecutive wins, this weekend, the side needed little added incentive for the clash, but nevertheless, Gravell’s story certainly hit home according to star wing George North.

“The play was very good. It was powerful and the boys that went certainly enjoyed it. It definitely showed the pride Grav had and we all have in Wales,” said North.

“Robin and Ken Owens were both crying.”

Gravell was at the heart of a Wales side that won the Five Nations four times in five years from 1975-1979 and also starred for The British & Irish Lions on their 1980 tour to South Africa.

Fluent in the Welsh language, Gravell was an ardent patriot – a fact that struck a chord with the squad during Bale’s performance, according to forwards coach Robin McBryde, who was left in no doubt as to the inspiration his story provided.

“We should have played straight after the performance to be honest with you. It has really put us in a good place mentally,” he said.

“If we can in any way match Gareth’s performance on Saturday, it doesn’t matter if the roof is open or closed, there will only be one result.

“It was good for some of the players to listen about one of the best and most passionate rugby players that Wales has produced.”