• Ben Foden discusses Wales' physical backline exclusively with RFUtv
• "They’re big boys but you’ve just got to chop them low" – England No.15

Ben Foden was surprised to hear Wales arrive at Twickenham with a back division reportedly two-stone heavier on average than their England counterparts but says that the statistic is inspiring for a team that prides itself on defence.

Warren Gatland’s side offer big ball-carrying threats across the backline, with hulking young wings George North and Alex Cuthbert each weighing 229lb and standing at 6’4” and 6’6” respectively.

But Foden, who has started England’s last 20 competitive internationals, is confident Stuart Lancaster’s side can compete and says however big they are, just “chop them low.”

The 26-year-old Northampton Saints man said: "We know they’re a big backline and the attacking threats they have in possessing those players but we’re confident we can take them on, both in defence and attack.

“You have to back your ability as well. When you get to international level everyone should be able to tackle, carry and have good feet. When you see them line up you know they’re big boys but you’ve just got to chop them low.

"They are a very good backline and have shown in past games they are capable of scoring tries and creating problems but we pride ourselves on defence, which has been pretty good so far in this competition, and I think the areas we really need to improve is our attack."

England have won their opening two games in the RBS 6 Nations – both away from home – but as Foden touched upon, they are yet to release the attacking potential of Chris Ashton and David Strettle out wide.

According to the England full back, conditions in Scotland and Italy dictated the level of England’s ambition and while he is happy to play tight rugby if it means another win, he’s hoping to receive more ball in attacking areas.

Saying that winning away games fills the side with confidence, Foden added: "The elements haven’t really catered for [attacking rugby] and sometimes you have to win playing tighter rugby. It is a winter sport at the end of the day and sometimes you’re going to get cold at the back waiting for the ball.

“The weather is looking pretty good so far so hopefully we’ll have a dry day at Twickenham and we’ll see a fine, flowing game.

“Everyone says that if you win your away games in this competition you’re on the right track. We’ve been working hard and have used the fallow week to our advantage in ironing out some of the creases we’ve had in our attack.

"We’re quietly confident, we’ve been doing the right things and we’re two from two. We’ve got a ball playing 12 to ship the ball around, we want to unleash the likes of Ashy and Strets and get them running with ball in hand. We’ve got an agile back row as well to get across the field, get their hands on the ball and be good in open spaces so that’s what we’re looking to do."