Wales see chance of beating England

A resurgent Wales head into their opening Six Nations match against England on Saturday with their most realistic chance in years of beating the world champions.

England, who have not lost in Cardiff since 1993 and lost only once more in 17 internationals since 1990, have been ravaged by injury and retirement since they won the world title in 2003.

Wales, meanwhile, who lost 10 successive internationals in that year, have built on the high-tempo attacking game that almost upset both New Zealand and England during the World Cup. They played impressively in narrow losses to the All Blacks (26-25) and South Africa (38-36) last November.

"It's an enormous compliment," said Wales coach Mike Ruddock when it was suggested his side could beat England on Saturday.

"At the same time we try not to put too much pressure on the players. We tend to say to the guys 'we have a way of playing the game that people are excited about and the guys enjoy playing. So all we can ask of you is to play that way to the best of your ability and be excited about it'.

"We feel if we encourage those traits then we have more chance of winning the game."

Six Nations fixtures

Saturday, February 5
France vs Scotland 3 p.m.
Wales vs England 6.30 p.m.

Sunday, February 6
Italy vs Ireland 3.30 p.m.

Saturday, February 12
Italy vs Wales 2.30 p.m.
Scotland vs Ireland 5 p.m.

Sunday, February 13
England vs France 4 p.m.

Saturday, February 26
Scotland vs Italy 3 p.m.
France vs Wales 5 p.m.

Sunday, February 27
Ireland vs England 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 12
Ireland vs France 2.30 p.m.
England vs Italy 5 p.m.

Sunday, March 13
Scotland vs Wales 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 19
Italy vs France 2 p.m.
Wales vs Ireland 4.30 p.m.
England vs Scotland 7 p.m.