Rees: Ireland clash will shape our campaign

Former Wales captain Matthew Rees has played in some big Test matches against Ireland — and this season’s RBS 6 Nations opener is high on the scale.

It is not overstating the case to suggest Wales’ Six Nations campaign could stand or fall on events at the Millennium Stadium in 10 days’ time.

Most pundits will make Ireland favourites to win, given their demolition of Argentina last time out. Wales, in contrast, have not beaten another Test-playing nation since last season’s Six Nations.