Neil Jenkins believes that England have been “exceptional” in the Guinness Six Nations ahead of next week’s crunch Cardiff clash against Wales.

Both sides will arrive unbeaten at the Principality Stadium, with Wales defeating France and Italy away and England seeing off Ireland and France.

The ruthless manner of England’s victories, though, have left an indelible mark on this season’s tournament and underlined their status as firm title favourites.

Wales Press Conference – Vale Resort
Neil Jenkins has spoken of England’s quality in this year’s Six Nations (David Davies/PA)

They have not lost in the Welsh capital since 2013, when Wales’ stunning 30-3 victory destroyed English Grand Slam hopes.

And the latest meeting on Welsh soil is set to have a major bearing on where this season’s Six Nations silverware ends up.

“They have been exceptional, there is no doubting that,” Wales skills coach Jenkins said.

“Going to Ireland, we know how tough that is.

“I thought the intensity and accuracy they (England) brought to the game on that opening day was very good, and they fully deserved their win, and then to back that up against France last weekend was a fantastic performance.

“We know what it is, it’s Wales versus England, it’s in Cardiff and it is a humongous game.

“I would like to think we will be more than ready, and I am sure they will be as well, so it should be some Test match.

“We are looking forward to the game. We know what’s coming, and we are looking forward to it.

“Some of their decision-making, you need to make sure your back-field is in a good place against England at this moment in time.

“Any sort of space they see they utilise it, whether it is through ball in hand or through their kicking game.

“We haven’t beaten England since 2015 (World Cup), so we are going to have to step up our game from the last two games, and I would like to think we are going to do that when they come to Cardiff.”

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is guaranteed to make a number of changes from a much-altered team that defeated Italy in Rome five days ago.

The key selection debate is likely to be at fly-half, and whether Gatland opts for Dan Biggar or Gareth Anscombe.

Full-back Leigh Halfpenny, who has not played since mid-November after suffering concussion, has been released back to the Scarlets ahead of their Guinness PRO14 clash against Italian side Benetton this weekend.

Leigh Halfpenny File Photo
Leigh Halfpenny has suffered with issues relating to a concussion (David Davies/PA)

Jenkins added: “Leigh looks after himself incredibly well – as do all the players – but he hasn’t played since November since the Australia game, and we can only go by what we see in training.”

If Wales do manage to derail England on Saturday week, it will inevitably evoke memories of 20 years ago at Wembley when Wales claimed a famous Five Nations triumph thanks to centre Scott Gibbs’ late try and Jenkins’ match-winning conversion.

“It was an incredible day that will live long in the memory,” Jenkins said.

“I think the all-round day, with Max (Boyce) and Tom (Jones) performing beforehand, the game itself, England going for a Grand Slam at Wembley, everything really. It couldn’t have been better.

“It was an incredible try by Scott. England’s defence at that time was just like a white wall, although I was more concerned with Scott going between the posts because I knew we were losing.

“I had managed to nail all the kicks prior to the conversion, so I felt pretty confident. I am just glad it went over.”