6N History (2000-04): 4th, 4th, 5th, 6th, 4th, 1st (Grand Slam). After eight wins in five years, won all five last time.

Coach: Mike Ruddock. Controversial choice ahead of Gareth Jenkins, but enjoyed a dream first year in the job, with a first Grand Slam since 1978 and first win over Australia since 1987.

Age: 31 Caps: 86 Tries: 34

Captain: Gareth Thomas. Wales' record try-scorer, 'Alfie' is now a national treasure. Stock has risen with age, and led the Lions in losing cause in New Zealand.

Big man: With 6ft 10in lock Luke Charteris out injured, young 6ft 8in tyro Ian Evans could make a big impact once he has served out a ban for the first two games.

Listen butt, I'll only tell you once

Enforcer: With Robin McBryde retired and the feisty Brent Cockbain out for the season, the onus will be on locks Robert Sidoli (right) and Ian Gough to supply the grunt.

Brains and brawn: Centre Mark Taylor, a chartered accountant, may have played his last Test but engineering graduate Colin Charvis continues to earn high grades.

The hair-bear boys are a scary bunch Hair-raising barnets

Bad hair day: Opposing props must think they are in a hair salon rather than a scrum when Adam and Duncan Jones pack down. Who says perms went out of fashion?

Southern intruders: Australian Brent Cockbain - "I have the flat cap and allotment and my wife was born here" - is injured, but Cape Town-born wing Hal Luscombe remains.

Bogey fixture: Wales have lost on their last eight visits to Twickenham, their last win coming in 1988. They have not beaten France in the Six/Five Nations in Cardiff since 1996 either.

Prospects: Losing half a team to injury and suspension will seriously hamper their chances, but enough ability and confidence remains for a top-half finish.

Odds to win title: 7-2, 16-1 Grand Slam, 6-1 Triple Crown.