Momentum the key for Howley as Wales focus on getting campaign off to a fast start
Wales will aim to end a fiveyear wait for Six Nations title success this season – and assistant coach Rob Howley knows that momentum is key. Silverware ambitions will undoubtedly stand or fall on Wales’ opening three games – Scotland at home, England away, Ireland in Dublin.
They have not lost to the resurgent Scots in Cardiff since 2002, but England are on a run of 22 wins in 23 games under head coach Eddie Jones and Ireland appear well-positioned for a major championship assault.
“It [Six Nations] is the premier tournament in the northern hemisphere and there is a trophy to be won,” Howley said. “When you go into the autumn, it is great to play against the tier one nations of the southern hemisphere and have the opportunity to develop your game and players, particularly when you are looking four years outside the World Cup.
“But when you go into the Six Nations, it is about winning. The [Wales] squad reflects that and it is a tournament we all look forward to.
“We have not won it for a period of time, and that is very much at the forefront of our minds. The old cliché is about momentum, winning the first game, and all that comes into your thought process. We have a big challenge first up. It is good to be at home and to have Scotland.
“They turned us over last year, something we are mindful of, and we want to start the tournament with the ability to play rugby and put them under pressure. We are looking to start fast and well.”
In their recent autumn campaign, Wales encouraged a style of play that featured two midfield playmakers in Dan Biggar and Owen Williams, but Biggar is likely to miss the game on Saturday after injuring his shoulder playing for Ospreys last week, so Gatland may need to come up with a Plan B.
Indeed, injuries have not been kind to Wales, with Sam Warburton and Jonathan Davies sidelined for the whole tournament, and a third British & Irish Lion, Bath No 8 Taulupe Faletau, a likely absentee for their first three matches.
“I know Gregor Townsend very well and he’s a very good friend of mine,” Howley added. “He’s one of my former halfback partners and he came to my wedding.
“He has done a great job taking Scotland on from Vern Cotter and getting some outstanding victories in the autumn. They will come down very buoyant, even though they’ve got a couple of injuries in the front row. I think it’s going to be a cracking game. Wales-scotland games always are in terms of the fast and furious brand of rugby.”