Coach: Warren Gatland
Gatland is entering his ninth Six Nations campaign as head coach of Wales since taking over from Gareth Jenkins in 2007. His tenure has delivered three Six Nations Championships, including Grand Slams in 2008 and 2012, as well as a World Cup semi-final in 2011, and his side were seconds away from repeating that feat against South Africa last autumn. Gatland has retained pretty much the same coaching staff, including defence coach Shaun Edwards, throughout his nine years in charge. Compared to main rivals England, Ireland and France, this offers Wales a backroom stability which is a rarity in modern rugby. Gatland also boasts the most impressive CV out of all six head coaches in the tournament and is the favourite to coach the British and Irish Lions for a second time in 2017.
Strengths
The romantic image which comes to mind when you think about Wales is one of fast, exciting, running rugby and elusive back play - Gareth Davies’s stunning try against England at Twickenham in the World Cup being a perfect example. However, the success of Wales in recent years has been built upon having one of the meanest and most efficient defences in the world. Gatland’s side defend with a ferocious and fearsome line speed - in last year’s Six Nations Ireland hammered away fruitlessly for more than 30 phases against 14-men at the Millennium Stadium, a game the hosts would go on to win. Wales also had the best defence at the Rugby World Cup, letting in just three tries despite being pitted against Australia and England in the pool stages as they reached the last eight.
Weaknesses
While the Welsh defence has been hugely impressive the backline on the whole has seemed a bit toothless. The nadir came in their final World Cup group game against Australia when Wales pressed against a side who were down to at least 14-men for a 13 minute period, yet were unable to score. There was also just one try scored against England and South Africa - with a host of chances missed. But this can perhaps be accounted for by Wales's other main weakness - an alarming injury list. As it stands Gatland will be heading into the tournament without Leigh Halfpenny, Rhys Webb and Scott Williams among others.
Key man: Dan Biggar
With the Welsh side ransacked by injuries during the World Cup and the back line struggling to fire, it was vital they had a reliable outlet at outhalf. Biggar stepped up to the plate and cemented his status as one of the best young 10s in the world. Biggar has had a difficult month domestically, with the Ospreys dumped out of the Champions Cup, but his work in defence and metronomic goal kicking has made him pivotal to Welsh hopes in the Six Nations. His kicking routine, which resembles ‘The Macarena’, may have led to plenty of internet-ribbing, but it works - as his nerveless display against England last year proved.
Last year: Third
A slow start in last year's campaign, which saw Wales beaten 21-16 by England at the Millennium Stadium, couldn't be saved by a whirlwind finish in Rome. Gatland's side bounced back from their opening defeat with a narrow 26-23 win away at Scotland before beating France 20-13 in Paris. Ireland were then beaten 23-16 after a heroic defensive performance in Cardiff, meaning Wales were still in the mix on the final day. However, despite running in six tries against Italy, including a George North hat-trick, Wales couldn't make up enough ground on Ireland and England, finishing 10 behind the eventual winners on points difference.
One to watch: Gareth Davies
Losing a player of the calibre of Rhys Webb ahead of the Rugby World Cup would be a massive blow for any side, yet the absence of the Ospreys scrumhalf became the least of Welsh worries thanks to the performances of Gareth Davies. The Scarlets number nine had made just four international appearances prior to the World Cup yet was selected to replace Webb ahead of Mike Phillips, leaving the veteran stranded on 99 caps. Davies provided one of the moments of the World Cup with his try against England and then proved to be prolific with scores against Uruguay, Fiji and South Africa. The Scarlets' halfback partnership with Biggar will be key to Welsh hopes.
