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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
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