Wales showed at the Rugby World Cup that they were by far the best of the European sides.
Warren Gatland’s squad was decimated by injury and yet continued to play a style of rugby that was effective in almost any situation against the best teams.
Against England they kept their heads, when those in opposition were losing theirs to win 28-25 at Twickenham.
A few weeks later they prevented Australia from crossing the whitewash in a tight match before eventually going down 15-6. They were unlucky to be turfed out of the tournament by South Africa 23-19 and, without the bogey of southern hemisphere opposition, they have the capability to go all the way.
Wales are the highest-ranked team in the tournament, according to the World Rugby rankings and their squad is the most settled. According to official weights they are also the heaviest, man-for-man.
Wales have historically improved throughout the tournament as the time spent with the players by Gatland and defence coach Shaun Edwards starts to pay off, but Wales will need to be at their sharpest from the beginning with the trip to Dublin first up on Saturday.
Wales lost to England on the opening night last season and were always playing catch-up with the rest to eventually finish third.
Ireland have lost their totemic leader Paul O’Connell to retirement and have an injury list to rivals Wales’s during the World Cup.
If Wales can travel to the Aviva Stadium with confidence, a win there would set up their campaign. Wales then host Scotland and France before a possible tournament-defining clash with England at Twickenham to decide their fate. Having won there only a few months ago, the stadium holds no fears for the Welsh.
PLAYER TO WATCH — DAN BIGGAR
Rhys Priestland is injured so Dan Biggar has a huge burden to carry on his shoulders throughout the tournament beyond simply the expert game management of the Welsh team. Biggar is one of the few players that coach Warren Gatland cannot do without, especially as in the absence of Leigh Halfpenny due to injury he is kicking at goal, also.
STAR IN THE MAKING — ALED DAVIES
Scrum half Gareth Davies was an integral cog to the Wales machine during the World Cup, which makes life very difficult for his Scarlets understudy Aled Davies. If given the chance Aled Davies has a wise head on his 23-year-old shoulders and can flourish under the guidance of Davies senior.
POINT TO PROVE — SAMSON LEE
More like Delilah. Samson Lee has long been touted as the natural successor to the destructive scrummaging of Adam Jones, but was a pale imitation during the World Cup. The Scarlets prop was recovering from an Achilles’ tendon injury, however, so at least had an excuse. It is one that will wear thin pretty quickly, though.
PREDICTION — 1st
Wales have the best and most settled squad. Gatland showed at the World Cup that for the first time in a while he finally has depth to their players base, also. Wales have three games at home, and will not fear trips to the Aviva Stadium and Twickenham. Win the opening match in Dublin and they will be on their way to a third title in five seasons.
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