THE last time Wales played England at the Millennium Stadium, the home side ran riot and claimed a record 30-3 win in 2013.

Winning the Six Nations title, and denying their bitter rivals a Grand Slam in the process, the intensity of Wales' performance was matched by the vociferous support of thousands across Gwent.

Two years on, Warren Gatland will again be counting on Gwent to get behind his charges and various figures across the county are readying themselves for a momentous occasion tonight.

Among those watching at home tonight will be Terry ‘Tiger’ Simons of Pontnewynydd, 79, who has been Pontypool RFC’s kit man for decades.

Loyalties will be split in the Simons’ household, with Terry and his wife, Jane, having helped both Kuli Faletau, father of Wales star Toby, and Fe’ao Vunipola, father of England internationals Mako and Billy Vunipola, settle in the area when they moved to Pontypool in 2000.

Both Toby and Billy are set to start the game tonight, while Mako will be on the English bench.

Mr Simons said: “I hope Toby has a fine game. My wife and I think the world of him and he still comes around now and again.

“With Billy and Mako there, my support will be down the middle. They used to stop with us when they were children and we would take them to school in Griffithstown or pick them up.

“It will be a hard match, and there’s not a lot in it, but England’s injuries might make it easier.

Newport’s own Alix Popham, who won 33 caps for Wales as a back row between 2003 and 2008, will be among an estimated 74,000 fans at the Millennium Stadium tonight.

He said: “It’s a great feeling playing in the Millennium, but it’s even more special against the enemy.

“I have lots of English mates, but there’s no other team that you so want to win against.

“My last game for Wales was against England in Twickenham in 2008, when we had our first win there for 20 years. It will stick in my memory until I die.”

Steve Parrish, 56, and his son, Karl, 30, from Caldicot, will also be at the match.

Mr Parrish, who attended his first Wales game at the age of 14, said: “There are no easy games, but I hope the roof is shut and they give us something to cheer about to warm us up.

“It’s always tight, but hopefully we’ll win.”

Alun Davies, AM for Blaenau Gwent, will also be in attendance and said: “I’m looking forward to a Welsh victory and that ludicrous sense of optimism will only increase until kick-off."

David Foxford-Brown, 47, from Devon, became landlord of the Coach and Horses in Chepstow just four months ago.

Separate bars within the pub have traditionally kept England and Wales fans apart but Mr Foxford-Brown said that he will be encouraging punters to mix tonight.

He said: “It’s a very mixed pub and I’m happy that they will all mix."

Ahead of the match, Arriva Trains Wales have made more than 13,000 additional seats available and First Great Western will provide almost 3,500 extra seats.

For those travelling by road, cars should follow the signage from junction 29 and 33 of the M4 while coach parking will be available at Sophia Gardens with access from junction 32. These open at 12pm and close at midnight.

A number of Cardiff city centre roads will be closed.

Millennium Stadium manager Mark Williams said: “Our message to the fans is to plan travel arrangements as early as possible to ensure you get to and from the venue safely and in good time to avoid any disappointment on match day.

“Those using public transport should schedule to arrive early for the trains and buses available or opt to use the coaches and the park and ride services around the city. Others may choose to make a weekend of it and spend some extra time in Cardiff to spread their travel over a couple of days."

For those without a match ticket, Rodney Parade will be showing the game at Rodney Hall and the Snelling Lounge.