Theoretically, keeping kicks in-field will bring about longer passages of unbroken play to sap the energy of a big England pack that would prefer to work in shorter bursts between set pieces. Wales have long used their fitness levels – and, more specifically, their confidence in their own fitness – as a psychological weapon.

The strategy, underpinned by the positioning and aerial solidity of back-three players like Liam Williams and Josh Adams, challenges England to find new ways of breaking down the red wall. It gives Wales’ phase-play defence more chances to fill the front line and harry half-backs with other disruptive nuances. For instance, they have historically given Gareth Davies a remit to sprint up on one-man missions to rush England’s first-receiver.

According to Opta records, Wales have struck 104 kicks from hand against England in three Six Nations fixtures since 2019. Of those, just three have looked like intentional clearances into touch. Last season, England fed a meagre five line-outs in Cardiff. Four were from penalties, with the other needing Kieran Hardy’s box-kick to bounce from the five-metre line into touch.