Six Nations champions Wales seek repeat of Ireland win

Wales will begin their Six Nations title defence against Ireland when two of Europe’s most inconsistent teams meet at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

And they will be even more keen than usual to repeat last season’s tournament opening 23-21 win over Ireland in Dublin after a third Six Nations Grand Slam in eight years was followed by a run of seven successive Test defeats.

Three of those reverses were against the Wallabies in Australia in June to a combined total losing margin of just 11 points but alarm bells were sounded towards the end of last year following home losses to Argentina and Samoa.

But Wales captain Sam Warburton insisted his side were paying no attention to the prophets of doom.

“We weren’t favourites for the title last year and I remember most people wrote us off for the opening game, but not only did we win that game, but the Grand Slam,” Warburton said.

“As players we ignore what is being said from outside. We will take massive confidence from being the reigning champions. No-one can take that away from us, no matter what has happened since then,” the openside flanker added.