by Our Sports Desk

WALES coach Warren Gatland wants rugby to “do the talking” when he sends his Wales team into a World Cup showdown against host nation England tomorrow.

Gatland readily acknowledges the huge importance of this weekend’s titanic Twickenham encounter as both countries continue their quest for a quarter-final place.

“Our record since I have been involved with Wales is 5-5 (against England), all of which is not bad for a nation the size of Wales against the most powerful and richest union in the world,” Gatland said yesterday.

“Let’s hope it is a great game, and afterwards, for whoever wins or loses, I would like both teams to have a beer and chat. There is huge respect.

“May the best team win by playing the best rugby. Let’s hope there is not a controversial decision. Let the rugby do the talking.”

Reflecting on England’s new-look midfield trio of Owen Farrell, Sam Burgess and Brad Barritt, Gatland called Burgess “a world-class player.”

“They are a quality team, and they could have picked a number of players. We were expecting they would go with the same 10, 12 and 13 (as against Fiji), so that threw us for a few days.”

Burgess “is similar in size and stature to Jamie Roberts, and Barritt is very experienced and a great defender.

“At the moment, I wouldn’t mind the same dilemma to have that quality of choice, as they have some quality players.”

Hallam Amos, meanwhile, has received a birthday present to savour by being named in the Wales starting line-up for tomorrow’s encounter.

Newport Gwent Dragons back Amos, 21 yesterday, takes over from Alex Cuthbert, who is on the bench, while there are also starts for Exeter tighthead prop Tomas Francis and Wasps lock Bradley Davies.

Elsewhere, Jamie Roberts and Scott Williams will oppose England’s new-look centre combination of Burgess and Barritt, while Samson Lee and Aaron Jarvis provide prop cover on the bench. Prop Paul James, who suffered a tight calf muscle against Uruguay last Sunday, does not make the match-day 23.

But, as expected, full-back Liam Williams takes his place in the starting XV after recovering from a knock to the thigh that he suffered against Uruguay.

Lock Davies, meanwhile, has gained the call to be Alun-Wyn Jones’s second-row partner.

And Gatland has decided not to tinker with his tried-and-tested back-row combination of Dan Lydiate, skipper Sam Warburton and number eight Taulupe Faletau, despite flanker Justin Tipuric’s run of impressive form.