WALES TEAM PROFILE

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Wales must be quietly content with a fixture list that sends them to Murrayfield on the

opening day and finishes with the Irish in Cardiff. While an away fixture to kick off a campaign is never favourable, a denouement at the Millennium Stadium – in front of the most passionate rugby crowd in the world – is a significant advantage for the Welsh. Wales have not lost at home to England since 2003 and have beaten them on the last three occasions in the Six Nations. Confidence will be high going into their second fixture in Cardiff, regardless of what England do in Rome. If Wales can win in Paris on matchday three, they will really fancy their chances of retaining the title.

There are, though, some doubts over who will start for the Welsh in key positions. Mike Phillips was instrumental in the orchestration of Wales’ Grand Slam last year but will be short of match fitness after a second knee operation has kept him sidelined since that tournament. Warren Gatland has two other world class scrum-halves in Dwayne Peel and Gareth Cooper, but at 6’3” and 16 stone, Phillips bulk around the ruck gives his game an extra dimension.

There are also the usual question marks about the fitness – both physically and also mentally of Gavin Henson. A fit Henson is a world-class inside-centre with the size to match up to modern defences allied with soft hands and big kicking game. He has started ten Six Nations games and never been on the losing side which tells you something about the influence he brings to bear on the Welsh side. Around him Wales have developed an impressive looking back-line.

Lee Byrne is rapidly gaining the reputation of one of the best full-backs in world rugby at present after outstanding performances in Autumn. Wales will expect big things from him this February. Around 15 months ago, 22-year-old �

COACH

WARREN GATLAND

Gatland was the architect of a Welsh revival in last season’s Six Nations after they had faltered in 2006 and 2007. He reinstated self belief and structure into the 2005 Grand Slam winners to once again lead them to the prestigious title. Wales were 16-6 down at half-time against England last season but showed the heart and determination to fight back and reverse the deficit in his first game as national coach. Gatland is renowned for creating watertight defences. He and Shaun Edwards will look to eradicate indiscipline after 51 out of 66 points conceded in last season’s tournament came from penalty kicks – the most of any team.

Left Powerful wing Mark Jones Above right Stephen Jones epitomises consistency at No. 10

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