Wales must raise their level to challenge relentless England, admits Nick Tompkins

Tompkins has played alongside Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and the Vunipola brothers at club level

Nick Tompkins is aware of the challenge that awaits Wales (Getty)

Nick Tompkins knows the relentless drive which has taken Owen Farrell and the rest of Saracens’ England contingent to the top of the game all too well.

Wales centre Tompkins is still a club teammate of England captain Farrell as well as the likes of Maro Itoje and the Vunipola brothers of Mako and Billy, but he is now plying his trade on loan at Welsh region Dragons after Saracens had to slash their wage bill following the salary cap scandal. Tompkins also counts the England, Saracens and British & Irish Lions stars mentioned above as friends, so from personal experience he is well aware his Wales side will have to step up their game when Eddie Jones’ side – led by Farrell – arrive in Llanelli on Saturday afternoon.

“To watch those guys bringing it in training just like they do in games, there is no drop-off. That’s what makes some of them the world’s best players,” said Tompkins of Farrell and co.

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“That’s what makes them so good. Obviously it would be silly to say we don’t have to rise for England. We know what’s coming and we’ve faced them before.

“Personally, I know a lot of their boys. You don’t need to talk about their competiveness – especially with their captain. We need to challenge ourselves to up it again – that’s a no-brainer.

“You look at this England side and we’re desperate to put in a good performance and keep this good vibe going. That’s what we need as a team – we know we’ve got it in there.”

Tompkins helped a second string Wales side down Georgia 18-0 in filthy conditions at Parc y Scarlets to end a sequence of six straight defeats – the country’s worst run since 2012-13.

It relieved some of the heat on under-pressure boss Wayne Pivac.

Tries came from Louis Rees-Zammit and Rhys Webb with Callum Sheedy kicking the rest. Georgia, unfortunately, offered nothing of note for the second week running.

As against England, they failed to score a point and their traditionally strong scrum was nowhere to be seen as Wales dominated at the set-piece.

Wales’ big guns will return for England and Pivac has said a win over their bitter rivals would make up for some poor performances since rugby returned.

Taulupe Faletau will be fit, Josh Navidi remains a doubt, but Justin Tipuric is a big doubt for England after taking a nasty head knock against Georgia.

“England are a formidable side, they have a lot of talent, and they’re a big side,” Pivac said.

“They’re going to be a challenge, a handful, and a different proposition.”

Tompkins will hope to start the England game and face his close friends for the second time this year with a gap available in the Welsh midfield due to Jonathan Davies’ knee injury.

But the 25-year-old was outplayed by his centre partner Johnny Williams against Georgia.

Williams – who had played for England with Sheedy in a non-capped Test and has beaten testicular cancer – had a fine Wales debut as he carried hard in awful conditions.

Williams, Rees-Zammit and Sheedy all impressed against Georgia and are pushing hard to start again. Forwards Wyn Jones, Samson Lee and Jake Ball also went well.

That forward trio should all start against England because Wales will have to combat the power game of those in white which was excellent as Jones’ men disposed of Ireland yet again.

“You tell Johnny to run at something and he goes at 100mph. Brilliant. He’s awesome to play with. He’s young, spirited, and works hard,” said Tompkins. “I do believe there is something coming.

“We need to believe that and keep working hard. If we can put it out next weekend and get a performance we deserve, that will be brilliant.”

Brilliant it would be indeed for those of a Welsh persuasion because England will be firm favourites.