Former Wales centre Tom Shanklin has gone all Eddie Butler on us... Well, sort of. I'm not sure Butler would put his voice to such prose... Although Shanklin is a Survivor and has a Burning Heart...

Image source, BBC Sport

Who has the upper hand when we're talking history? England overall, but only by two victories. 

Over the past 10 matches between the countries it's all-square - but this match is at Twickenham, where England haven't lost to a northern hemisphere team since 2012 (a run of 11 matches). 

It's quite a task ahead for Warren Gatland's men. 

Jules Harbottle: Appallingly nervous. If England lose I won't be able to go to work on Monday 

John Sutherland: Squeaky Bum Time...

Where are you watching the match and who will you be watching it with? Send us your rugby chit-chat and photos using the hasthag #bbcrugby - or visit our Facebook page - or text 81111.

One question: If you could choose any England or Wales player from the past to play in this match, who would it be and why? 

Image source, Getty Images

If I may make a public announcement [clears throat], build up to this beaut of a match has begun on BBC Radio 5 live. There's also coverage on BBC Radio Wales. And for those of you who want your coverage more Lloger yn erbyn Cymru, BBC Radio Cymru is an option. 

On final thing, you can get the latest scores straight to your phone via the BBC Sport App. I think that's all.

Image source, BBC Sport

It's all a bit gladiatorial in the national papers today. 

"Defeat not an option as bitter rivals set for brutal battle at Twickenham," declares the Independent. , external

Image source, The Independent

England's bruisers have arrived at HQ for the heavyweight battle...

It is a team selection which has sparked thousands of words. 

Mick Cleary in the Daily Telegraph writes: "Stuart Lancaster does not carry the air of a man who might be looking to break the bank at Monte Carlo but there is no doubt that the improbable high roller from Cumbria has staked all that he holds on his team selection to take England to World Cup glory against Wales on Saturday, external."

Image source, Daily Telegraph

Injured Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny wishes his mates well. 

GB Paralympian Aled Davies is hoping he won't have to swap his discus for an oval ball at Twickenham later. 

What does Carling's old centre partner Jeremy Guscott have to say? 

In his latest column for BBC Sport, Guscott says: "The build-up has been dominated by England's decision to drop George Ford for Owen Farrell at fly-half and bring in former rugby league international Sam Burgess at inside centre.

"They are two selections that could be the difference between winning and losing - and the difference between Stuart Lancaster keeping his job as head coach or not.

"Lancaster has made a huge decision at 10. In essence, he is telling Ford 'we feel Owen Farrell is a better goal-kicker than you, and a stronger defender' because, in everything else, Ford has a greater skill-set."

Image source, Getty Images

So there's definitely no panic. No-one's panicking. We've got it. But former England captain Will Carling is definitely a little flummoxed. 

"After running the show all year at 10, we come to 'the' crunch game and drop Ford?" the former centre questions., external

"He ran the show when we beat Wales in Cardiff so it can't be a defensive decision. I'm at a loss to find any reason at all."

Image source, Getty Images

Stuart Lancaster has admitted this ding-dong with Wales, and the one with Australia which will follow, will define his England reign. 

But the coach has dismissed suggestions he has panicked by dropping the inventive George Ford for the tough-tackling Owen Farrell at outside-half. 

"I don't think putting an in-form and confident Owen Farrell into the team is a risk," said Lancaster. "There's definitely no panic."

Image source, Getty Images

If you've just returned from a mission to Mars or been manning the post office on Goudier Island,, external you may not realise Stuart Lancaster's team selectionhas caused a right to-do. 

George Ford out. Owen Farrell in. Sam Burgess in. Jonathan Joseph injured. 

It's been quite a week.

Image source, PA

BBC Sport's chief sports writer Tom Fordyce has asked why this ancient rivalry matters. 

He writes: "What will it mean to the two nations - to those lucky enough to have tickets, to the parents of the players, for youngsters being allowed to stay up late and to those of more grizzled vintage watching in boozy clubhouses?"

Click here to read the thoughts of George North's father, cyclist Geraint Thomas and former Wales flanker Martyn Williams. 

As has become tradition during these big occasions, we've set up a vote on this page in the name of fun and nosiness. 

We're asking: Who do you think will win at Twickenham? You've two choices. You're either going to be right, or you're going to be wrong. 

Voting will close at 19:50 BST and we will announce the result shortly afterwards. 

Image source, BBC Sport

It's not unusual (I'm sorry) for the Welsh rugby team to receive the support of the country's famous sons and daughters, but lucky charms don't come much more charming and grand than Sir Tom Jones. 

Sir Tom was called upon to present the players with their jerseys for today's match. 

The singer has history in Wales versus England encounters, singing the Welsh national anthem at the 1999 Five Nations clash between the two countries at Wembley. The result? That Scott Gibbs try in a frenzied 32-31 Welsh victory. 

(Huh. Think I'm gonna dance now...)

Those who have paid hundreds of pounds for their tickets will be pleased to hear that Wales have left their team hotel and are en route to rugby HQ.

Yes, England are playing Wales. In rugby. A sport, a game. It's a rugby rivalry which started in 1881. But this match matters not only because these two countries are old foes, neighbours with a shared border and history, but because the consequences of slipping up could be so costly. 

Only two teams can qualify from Pool A. It's survival of the fittest and strongest, the wisest and the meanest. 

Defeat at Twickenham this evening? Both the teams and their fans shudder at the thought.