Six Nations: Wales all smiles

Wales hope to carry the Llanelli factor into their Six Nations rugby opener against Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.

Four members of the Scarlets team who stormed into the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup arrived for the international build-up this week full of confidence after following up their win over holders Leicester with a victory over former winners Bath to reach the semi-finals.

‘‘When we turned up for training on Monday you could see the smiles on the faces of Stephen Jones, Scott Quinnell, Robin McBryde and Chris Wyatt,’’ said Rob Howley, who will be making his 55th appearance for Wales, a record for a scrum-half.

Howley and his half-back partner Jones hope to be as much in unison on Sunday as they are in their belief in the benefits of European club rugby.

‘‘It produces confidence and all these players have been playing well for their club. European rugby has been a big help.

‘‘It’s something you look forward to because you want the chances to test yourself against the best players in the northern hemisphere,’’ said Howley.

Jones, who has an amazing 100% record stretching back 17 goals in Europe, preceding the 16 against Bath and Leicester with one in the previous match against Perpignan, agreed. He said: ‘‘I think the European competition is superb because it bridges the gap between domestic club rugby and international rugby.’’

While coach Graham Henry still ponders whether to use the in-form Jones or centre Iestyn Harris, who was handed the goalkicking duties for the autumn internationals, as his first-choice kicker on Sunday, Howley has no doubt about his partner’s ability to take his form into the international arena.

‘‘Steve has been phenomenal, as have Llanelli as a side. The way he kicked his penalties and the drop goal at the end, at the moment whenever he steps up you think he will never miss,’’ said Howley, paying tribute to the effect currently injured legendary goalkicker Neil Jenkins, world rugby’s leading points-scorer, has had on Jones.

‘‘Ever since Steve came into the squad, the time he has spent working with Neil Jenkins has stood him in good stead,’’ added Howley.

Jones agreed: ‘‘Jenks has been brilliant. He has given me great advice. On and off the field he is a top guy.’’

He puts Scott Quinnell, his captain with both Llanelli and Wales, in the same esteemed category.

‘‘Scott is brilliant, it’s as simple as that. I’m so glad I play with him at club level because I would hate to play against him. That’s two games a season I would be trying to miss,’’ quipped Jones.