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Great expectations in Six Nations openers
6th February 2009, 15:00 WST
Reigning champions Wales go into this year’s Six Nations as strong favourites, having shown with their 2008 Grand Slam success that they are the team to beat.
Their thrilling 21-18 victory over Australia in November made them the only northern hemisphere side to beat a Tri-Nations team in the autumn internationals and the burden of expectation now sits heavily on the shoulders of the men from the Millennium Stadium.
Coach Warren Gatland has unsurprisingly kept faith with the pack that outmuscled Australia for Sunday’s opener against Scotland, while poster boy Gavin Henson has been named at centre despite doubts over a calf injury.
Continuity has been the key to Wales’ development under Gatland and defence coach Shaun Edwards has expressed his delight at the squad’s preparations.
“I can only talk about what I have seen in the past eight days, and that has been absolutely exceptional,” he said.
“You need to be in an environment that, at times, can be a little uncomfortable - where you don’t settle for second-best.”
Scotland coach Frank Hadden has sprung a surprise by relegating record points scorer Chris Paterson to the bench for Wales’ visit.
Hugo Southwell comes in at full-back, with his in-form Edinburgh team-mate Phil Godman assuming the kicking responsibilities.
England head into the tournament with coach Martin Johnson under pressure.
He oversaw a record 42-6 loss at home to world champions South Africa in November as well as comprehensive defeats at the hands of Australia and New Zealand.
His cause has not been helped by an injury to scrum-half Danny Care, with Leicester’s Harry Ellis called in as a late replacement at number nine for their opening fixture against Italy on Saturday.
The rest from The West here.. http://www.thewest.com.au/default.as...ntentID=123370
We were good for 50 minutes, then just went soft thinking it was all over. Will have to play the full eighty minutes if we want back to back grand slams, which I doubt will happen.
Ireland looked very good and France weren't bad in defeat.
Couldn't tell about England as they had it easy against Italy. Who puts a Flanker in at scrum half in an International game who has never played there in his entire life. Nick Mallet the coach of Italy that's who. He wanted to take him off after 20 minutes but let him keep playing out of respect for Bergamasco, WHAT THE!!!
He cost you the game, get him off.
Didn't you like the way he danced on the ball then ???
Agree with your comments - if France knocks of Wales we (Ireland) could have the championship if we can hold it together (now that is an ask) - Fantastic for competition to have a few different names on the trophy or even the chance of it.
Has anyone seen Martyn Johnson smile since he took on his new job ?
61 years between Grand SlamsWas the wait worth it - Ya betta baby
Has anyone ever seen Martin Johnson smile?
I don't think he has any living tissue left in his lips!
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
"Thats g-r-a-t-e expectations, also by edmund wells" - Monty Python.
"12 Years aSupporter" starring the #SeaOfBlue
Sometimes I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about BNB![]()
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
WRF Wales should beat England, after all the game is at Millenium Stadium