With a new coach and the disappointment of their World Cup exit to Fiji almost behind them, Wales approach the Six Nations Championship with more confidence than they may merit. With Martyn Williams returning from retirement to feature under Warren Gatland and the Welsh regions doing well in Europe, there is a mood of optimism in the Welsh camp. However, the question marks over key positions – Peel or Philips at scrum-half, Jones or Hook at fly-half, Henson, Parker or Shanklin at centre – remain unanswered. Competition for places is one thing, but when you don’t know your best side it makes consistency in tactics a tough ask.
The schedule is not kind to the Welsh either. A trip to Twickenham – where they have not won in 20 years is a tough opener which is followed by the visit of Scotland and Italy to Cardiff. Ireland are next at Croke Park, and while last year’s match was a tight affair, with home advantage the Irish should grind out a win. Wales close against France in a match which should see the World Cup hosts clinch their third successive championship.
Predicted Finish – 5th
The schedule is not kind to the Welsh either. A trip to Twickenham – where they have not won in 20 years is a tough opener which is followed by the visit of Scotland and Italy to Cardiff. Ireland are next at Croke Park, and while last year’s match was a tight affair, with home advantage the Irish should grind out a win. Wales close against France in a match which should see the World Cup hosts clinch their third successive championship.
Predicted Finish – 5th
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