Wales coach Shaun Edwards labels England's Eddie Jones as 'great for rugby' ahead of Six Nations clash

Shaun Edwards has described Eddie Jones as "great for rugby" ahead of Wales' Six Nations showdown with England in Cardiff.

On Saturday Wales can stop reigning Six Nations champions England claiming their 16th successive win against all opponents.

But England boss Jones claimed earlier this week that he does not understand why England have appeared "petrified" of playing Wales away from home.

He also said that Welsh fans can throw daffodils at his players on Saturday, and Wales defence specialist Edwards has welcomed Jones' approach to what is traditionally a full-blown contest.

Asked about the "petrified" claim, Edwards said: "I think that is just another way of Eddie throwing down a challenge to his players.

"It's smart coaching. He is a clever bloke is Eddie. It's great for the game. You want characters in the game.

"You've seen it in the past with football managers like Brian Clough, people like that. They were a bit outspoken, weren't they?

"It's good for the game and good for you guys (the media) as well.

"Are there daffodils around this time of year? I don't know. It feels a bit cold for daffodils!"

Wales, meanwhile, are preparing as if the Principality Stadium roof will be closed on Saturday.

Jones has said he is not bothered either way, although under Six Nations rules, both teams have to agree for it to be closed. If they do not, then it stays open.

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Wales prefer the closed option, and Edwards added: "Eddie has said he isn't bothered if it is open or closed. I like his attitude.

"That is the kind of bloke Eddie is. Good on him. I think he's great for rugby.

"We are just waiting to see what they (England) say. It's just an unusual situation where the opposition decide, but that's the way it goes."

Edwards confirmed number eight Taulupe Faletau will be available. The Bath forward has not played since suffering a knee injury on Christmas Eve, thus missing last weekend's 33-7 victory over Italy in Rome.

Wales interim head coach Rob Howley is due to name his starting line-up on Thursday, with fly-half Dan Biggar, wing George North and lock Luke Charteris all current fitness concerns.

Biggar went off at half-time in Rome after taking a blow to his ribs, while North suffered a dead leg but played on and scored a late breakaway try.

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Charteris, though, did not travel to Italy as he continued his recovery from a fractured hand.

"We are giving them as long as possible to make the game," Edwards said.

"With George, it is a dead leg. He had really bad bruising on his leg, and we are going to give him as long as possible.

"Taulupe will be available for selection, and we have just got to wait for Luke."

If Biggar is ruled out, then Sam Davies, who replaced him at the Stadio Olimpico with impressive effect, will be favourite to take over in the number 10 shirt.

Whichever combination Wales field, though, they face a huge task against an England team currently ranked second in the world and chasing a fourth successive Six Nations victory over their arch-rivals.

"They are the form team in world rugby at the moment on this fantastic unbeaten run," Edwards added. "They averaged 33 points a game in 2016, so they are a very formidable attacking outfit.

"They have power runners to get over the advantage line and then intelligent rugby players at nine, 10 and 12, who get the ball to guys outside with the running ability. They have got exciting backs.

"But we have had the best defence at the last two World Cups, and if we get back to that sort of form, which we are slowly getting back to, we will be there to give them a game.

"England have got a lot of strength in depth. But, fortunately for us, they can only play 15."