HANSEN ON ENGLAND...

If you followed the form book you wouldn't look far outside England and France to win the championship once again. But then that is the challenge to which the rest of us have to rise, I'm sure the Irish and the Scots can't wait to have a crack at the English and I know my players feel exactly the same way.

The European tournaments have given many of our players some good exposure to many of the English players so they will know what to expect. Wales v England is one of the great ties of the championship and it has been 10 years since we won in Cardiff.

England will be firm favourites, but we'll wait to see what shape they are in after their first round clash with France. Whatever happens, this is going to be a huge test for the Welsh team.

Steve Hansen on Italy