England head to the Millennium Stadium knowing that any kind of win will seal both the Six Nations title and a first Grand Slam in a decade. But Wood says that big improvements are needed from the team from last week's win over Italy against a resurgent Wales, who themselves need an eight-point win to keep hold of the tournament silverware.
"It was quiet in the changing room after the Italy game and we weren't entirely happy with some of the areas of our game," Wood said in his midweek press session.
"We've worked on those areas and simplified everything really, as the bigger the occasion and the bigger the game the tendency is to get carried away, to try and do things you wouldn't normally do, try to solve problems on your own and to pull off the miracle play.
"A lot of these big occasions come down to keeping your focus for 80 minutes, staying in control and doing the simple things well. That's what we've been focusing on this week."
The back rower, who started the Six Nations on the flank but will start at Number Eight for the third successive game on Saturday, also says that England are under no illusions as to the size of the task.
"We're obviously going into the game with confidence, given our position, but it's going to be a huge game on Saturday," he added. "The Welsh are developing some form, are coming back into their best rugby, and they're at home, so it's a massive occasion.
"But as I say all we're doing is focusing on the basics, focusing on keeping a simple approach and just making sure that we're ready to go at a hundred miles an hour.
"We've got a lot of confidence in our willingness to fight for each other and our character under pressure and we believe that this will get us through."
The action from Cardiff is being shown live in the Rodber Suite on Saturday afternoon. Doors open at 4pm ahead of the 5pm kick off and both the bar and pie station will be open!
