The magic of the Millennium Stadium played its role in guiding Wales to a record-breaking win the reverse fixture 12 months ago and now Lancaster is looking for a similar scenario in London.
Twickenham may not be as high up the list as Cardiff’s city centre venue when it comes to sport’s greatest atmospheres but the noise levels during England’s Round 3 win over Ireland were something special.
A repeat against Warren Gatland’s troops would be a huge boost to England’s chances of a first Triple Crown in 11 years and Lancaster is calling on the English faithful to leave Wales in no doubt as to where they are this weekend.
“It’s fantastic going back to Twickenham. It was an unbelievable atmosphere and this Sunday will be right up there as well,” said Lancaster.
“That gives the team a huge amount and hopefully we can put in a performance like we did against Ireland and give them something to shout about. (We want) more of the same please!
“People have said to me in the past that Twickenham doesn’t inspire the players, but it’s always inspired the players and it’s always inspired me.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt that it is a place where we’re building a real sense of English identity and what we’re about as a team. They’re responding to the fact that they can see a team playing with passion and commitment for England’s rose.”
But while Lancaster is keen to see plenty of emotion in the stands on Sunday, he has urged his players to remain calm as the RBS 6 Nations Championship builds towards the boil.
Wales skipper Sam Warburton spoke earlier in the week about the need to focus on the 80 minutes that lie ahead rather than the history or hype that surrounds the fixture and Lancaster has been echoing those thoughts, despite the fact that revenge for last year’s reverse appears to simmer below the surface.
“Emotions of all kinds play a big part in rugby. Controlled emotion, especially. Commitment, intensity… they’re as important as the game plan. But if you have emotion running out of control, it’s not healthy,” added Lancaster.
“I will make sure we are in the same place as Wales were last year. We need to make sure we deliver on the field. All the talking is fine but it’s delivering on the day that matters.”
