Wales in a better place, claims Shaun Edwards

RBS Six Nations: Wales v England: Shaun Edwards believes Wales are "in a better place" ahead of this season’s Six Nations Championship than they were 12 months ago.

Wales kick off the tournament against Millennium Stadium visitors England tonight, when victory would give them immediate momentum in a competition they have won twice during the last three years.

The 2012 and 2013 Six Nations champions lost both of their away games last season — including against England at Twickenham — which derailed any realistic title challenge.

This time, though, Wales will arrive in European rugby’s showpiece competition following a stirring victory over southern hemisphere heavyweights South Africa, while they are also at full strength for England’s visit.

“We are in a better place than we were this time last year, when there was a lot going on,” Wales assistant coach and defence specialist Edwards said. “The lads had won two Six Nations, had come off a Lions series and there were the troubles with the regions, so there were quite a lot of distractions. I just feel we are more focused this year. We are also healthy, which is a massive factor. We had 18 changes last year (throughout the Six Nations), when England had four and Ireland three, and they were the top two teams. It goes in cycles.

“We have beaten South Africa, which was the second time in 100 years, and that got a monkey off our back. But we have always said we are judged on the Six Nations and competitions where you have a trophy at the end of it. The big competitions are the Six Nations and the World Cup.”

Unlike two years ago, the Millennium Stadium roof will not be closed after England boss Stuart Lancaster opted for it to be kept open, but Edwards said: “It is not something we’ve discussed too much.”

Edwards also identified what he feels is a considerable rugby league influence on how England play.

“They play a little bit like my old team the Wigan Warriors, actually. They will come at you with a lot of what is called league-plays with that ball out the back, and it is important we get our structure right on that.

“It is also important there is no obstruction of our defensive plays up ahead of the ball.

“When you watch rugby league games, there are a lot of tries disallowed when they go to the TMO (television match official) if there has been any obstruction ahead of the ball. I am sure the TMO and the referee will be well aware of that.”

England attacking skills coach Mike Catt responded to Edwards, highlighting the visitors’ “league plays” by pointing out that referee Jerome Garces will have the final say.