Wales v England, in my option, is the best fixture of the Six Nations.

As an unyielding Welsh fan, the questionable performances of Wales and England during the first couple of fixtures meant that again this game could prove to be a belter.

Since I started working for Gullivers last April, this has been the weekend that I physically begged to be a part of. This game was something I had always dreamed of seeing live but never thought I’d get the chance.

I wasn’t going to let the unfortunate media attention of potential strike action ruin my excitement for this fixture, and when the week finally came around the anticipation only grew.

I arrived in Cardiff early on Friday morning, and despite being a full day before the fixture the tension in the in the streets was already growing.

As I waited on my Gullivers helpdesk that afternoon a steady stream of our clients started to arrive. A delightful mix of Welsh and English supports meant the pre-fixture ‘banter’ was in full swing. The relief that the fixture was actually taking place was quickly replaced with the annual nerves of how competitive this match is and who will come out smiling on Saturday evening.

Cardiff on Saturday morning, pre match, is a wonderful place to be. The mixture of red and white shirts hustling between street vendors, pubs, and restaurants makes for a picture-perfect sporting environment. Spotting clients in their various match day get ups, including face paint, daffodil hats, and scarfs only improves the pre-match excitement. Many heading into the streets of Cardiff after their hotel breakfast, ready for a big day before heading to the Principality Stadium in the afternoon.

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The Principality Stadium really put on a show for this fixture, with an emotional performance by Katherine Jenkins of ‘World in Union’, followed by a moving performance by the Welsh Mens Choir of all the Welsh classics, including my favourite, Hymns and Arias. Owen Farrell and the England squad were warming up in front of our block, with the Welsh team preparing at the opposite end of the pitch.

The fixture itself, with all my efforts trying not to be bias, was not the test match special we all anticipated. The match started off slowly with both teams holding back and avoiding too much direct ball carrying. England scored first, having a penalty and try in the first 25 minutes. The first half finished 3 – 8 to England. Wales benefited from Owen Farrells off day with penalty kicks and conversions. Rees-Zammit provided the excitement that was needed to bring life back into the game, with an interception and 50 yard sprint to get Wales ahead of England. This only lasted a few minutes with England quickly responding and scoring again. The game finished 10 – 20 to England.

Despite the result (as a Welsh Fan), I loved every minute of the match and can’t wait until next year!

Cardiff, post-match, is a different kettle of fish. When you have over 70,000 people released back into the streets, heading for any pub that has space, that is when the singing really starts.

Seeing the clients again on our Sunday morning help desk before they departed home was lovely. A mixture of thick heads, elated English fans, and post-match discussions finished off the weekend perfectly.

-Sally Jakeman, Operations Assistant