Welsh coach sick of constant infighting

LONDON - It doesn't bode well for Welsh rugby when the national coach describes his team's Six Nations match with England tomorrow as "secondary importance".

But that is what Steve Hansen is calling the game in Cardiff as the tournament moves into round two.

Humiliated by a 30-22 loss to lowly Italy in Rome last weekend, and with constant infighting in Welsh rugby's boardrooms, Wales are given little chance of beating title-chasing England, who beat co-favourite France 25-17 last week at Twickenham.

In the two other second-round games, France take on Scotland in Paris and Italy host Ireland in Rome.

Wales are distracted by a crucial Welsh Rugby Union meeting on Monday, when its 239 member clubs will vote on plans for radical reform, including the introduction of four regional sides for Celtic and European competition.

"Sunday's meeting is undoubtedly more important [than the England game]," Hansen said.

The Wales coach seemed to dismiss the possibility of meaningful results from the present crop of players, talking about a "lost generation" of Welsh talent and hoping to bring youngsters through the new system. The former Canterbury coach, tired of the infighting in Wales, said the damage from the loss in Italy cut deep.

"It's like someone in your family doing something stupid and as a parent you're disappointed," he said.

England are an unbackable 1-16 by bookmaker William Hill to complete stage two of a possible Grand Slam, Wales having leaked almost 50 points a time against Clive Woodward's men over the past three seasons. While Wales struggle, rugby minnows Italy are flying high after their historic win.

Tipped for the wooden spoon before the tournament, Italy will be looking to win only their third Six Nations match in three years against Ireland, who broke an 18-year jinx at Murrayfield with their 36-6 win over Scotland.

Italy coach John Kirwan has run five hours of practice daily with an eye on another upset win.

"As for the strategy, I have something new in mind that I can't make public," Kirwan said.

Many pundits are now talking about Ireland being genuine title contenders, especially given they play heavyweights France and England in Dublin.

In Monday's game, France, keen to put last week's loss to England aside, come up against a Scottish team desperately trying to forget their Ireland humiliation.

Scotland, meanwhile, have made just two changes to their squad.

Loose forward Jason White replaces Nathan Hines and No 8 Jon Petrie has been recalled to cover for the injured Ross Beattie.

* TV times: Sky Rugby Channel: Italy v Ireland, 2.25am tomorrow; Wales v England, 6.25am tomorrow; France v Scotland, 1.55am Monday.

- AGENCIES