Gareth Thomas feels a fast start will be key for Wales victory against Ireland

Wales prop Gareth Thomas wants a fast start against Ireland (David Davies/PA)

Gareth Thomas believes a fast start is vital for Wales in their quest to claim an odds-defying victory over Guinness Six Nations title favourites Ireland on Saturday.

Wales have been largely written off, heading to Dublin after suffering nine defeats in their last  10 Six Nations games to face an Ireland side chasing successive Grand Slams.