Wales (87 caps, 2000-2011)<\/em><\/p>\nIt\u2019s a difficult time for Welsh rugby with all that\u2019s happened over the last 24 months. Issues surrounding wages and funding mean the regions have lost experienced players, and Louis Rees-Zammit has quit rugby for the NFL.<\/p>\n
Add to that the retirements of players like Dan Biggar, and it means it\u2019s a time for exciting young talent. But this Six Nations is a big ask.<\/p>\n
We didn\u2019t know much about Mackenzie Martin, Cameron Winnett or Ioan Lloyd last season. Now they and others must take the chance with two hands.<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t expect Dafydd Jenkins, at the age of 21, would become captain so early, but he was the go-to second row at the World Cup and coach Warren Gatland likes his attitude. Warren did something similar with the little-known Sam Warburton when I was playing, and I\u2019m sure Dafydd will do a great job.<\/p>\n
Wales will target their home games \u2014 facing Ireland and England away in successive matches will be tough \u2014 with third or fourth place looking realistic.<\/p>
RadioTimes.com says\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\nA team in a near-constant state of transition, or so it seems, in recent years. Fresh faces will aim to make their mark in a team crying out for fruit among the next generation crop.<\/p>\n
Wales\u2019 form has been fairly dire in recent times, and the increasing competitiveness among teams around them will add pressure to Warren Gatland\u2019s men on home soil.<\/p>\n
Defeat against Scotland on the opening day would be cause for concern ahead of away trips to England and Ireland, before a return home to welcome France. Their Super Saturday clash with Italy could become a duel to avoid the wooden spoon.<\/p>\n
Prediction: 5th<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n