Wales coach Robin McBryde has called on his side to end their seven-match losing run against Ireland in the Six Nations.
Last year's Six Nations champions have received heavy criticism from all quarters after losing four successive matches at home last November, including a shock defeat against Samoa, which followed three defeats against Australia in June.
"We have spoken to the players, and Rob Howley (interim head coach) has made it clear we are on the back of seven games without a win," said McBryde.
"We cannot be happy with it. We have to make sure all members of the squad feel that pain and hurt as much as the coaches. The want to put that right has to be forefront in their minds.
"We have to take the hurt and pain we felt in the summer (Wales suffered a 3-0 Test series defeat in Australia) and autumn, and come out fighting, showing we are better than that."
"This is a fresh page and regional form should not come in it. We are together, focused on getting a positive start to the Six Nations.
"The Six Nations is a tournament where expectation is on everybody, especially in the first game.
"Everyone is aware of form coming into the Six Nations, everyone is aware the regions are having a bit of a tough time. We have to put that behind us and focus on moving forward.
"We had a positive start in the last Six Nations, and that is heartening. We won in Ireland. I am not sure what the expectation levels were then, but I cannot imagine they were lower than now.
"There is pressure. It is international rugby and you have to get off to a flyer. The first two games dictate the rest of the Six Nations."
Comments
waz4before says...
I'm glad its Ireland (not England) first up as wales have their backs to the wall and will be at their most dangerous in this first game. A 6N's title is not beyond wales this time around but they will have to gain confidence really quickly to do that - and I'd suggest their entire campaign rests on the result of this first game - win and they'll believe they're back and in with a shout, lose and what follows could be a wooden-spoon disaster .. personally, I can't see Wales poor form continuing for much longer!
Posted 04:38 22nd January 2013
melkdave says...
I hope his gets his response i really do.,but the signs atm dont look to promising tbh.All the welsh teams where just dredfull in the HC ,and really not worth their place imo.I just hope the national side can get its act together and put in some consisyently good performances this coming 6Ns .Otherwise i can see Wales struggling to even get 4th ,let alone higher .
Posted 01:10 22nd January 2013