Youngs relishing 'almighty' Wales clash
Ben Youngs is braced for an "almighty game" when England and Wales collide in a likely RBS 6 Nations title decider.
A comprehensive 21-10 victory over champions Ireland on Saturday leaves Eddie Jones' men as the only team still capable of winning the Grand Slam with appointments with the Welsh and France to come.
And if Warren Gatland's men are dispatched and Scotland prevail over France at Murrayfield, England will seize the crown with a round to spare.
The title rivals have been building momentum ahead of their Twickenham showdown on March 12 and Youngs knows what to expect from the team that set the Red Rose on the path to World Cup ruin last autumn.
"Wales are consistently a good team in this tournament. Traditionally they get better as the tournament goes on," the Leicester scrum-half said.
"Their coaching staff have been together for a number of years now and likewise their players.
"We've got a bit of catching up to do over the next two weeks, but we're at home and we're looking forward to an almighty game.
"I'll worry about the Grand Slam when the whistle has gone after the final game, but we're in a good place, there's no denying that. We're three from three and right where we want to be.
"It was great to get our campaign underway at Twickenham. We know what's coming next time we're here."
Ireland were on the receiving end of England's best performance of the Six Nations to date and their attack is beginning to take shape with players standing flatter and placing greater pace on the ball.
Anthony Watson and Mike Brown ran in second-half tries to sweep the game out of reach, number eight Billy Vunipola was outstanding once again and 21-year-old full debutant Maro Itoje served notice of a bright international future ahead.
"We're delighted to get the win," said Youngs, another of England's star performers.
"We felt we were only a couple of phases away from breaking them and the main message at half-time was to be a little bit more patient and physical around the breakdown.
"When we did do that and got that bit right, we were able to unlock them. The defence was epitomised by Jack Nowell with his tackle on Robbie Henshaw in the corner, that was fantastic.
"It's always a very bruising and physical encounter when we play Ireland and this was no different. This win will give is confidence.
"You can see the improvements we've made from Scotland until now. There are areas we need to get better at like the breakdown, but there's nothing that can't be fixed before Wales."