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Gatland can change the fortunes of a dormant Welsh rugby union team

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Pablo Luna - Moonlighting for Betfair. Pablo looks forward to a new dawn for Wales under coach Warren Gatland, starting with England at Twickenham

The Rugby World Cup is history and it is now time to salivate over the forthcoming 2008 Six Nations starting on 2 February 2008. What an intriguing match to start proceedings with England v Wales at Twickenham. Wales begin a new exciting era under new coach Warren Gatland and England, with Brian Ashton, will try to consolidate and build on their surprising achievements in France 2007.

Warren Gatland is absolutely the right man to revive Welsh Rugby. He will have Wales well drilled and prepared. This conservative hard-nosed hooker from the farmlands of Waikato, New Zealand will bring a team ethic to the table. He will be able to scythe through internal politics with a fresh perspective. Wales will have to transform but the revolution will be more evolution.

Running rugby will go on hold while he sorts out the scrum, lineout and ball retention, so some patience (something the Welsh public and hierarchy are not famous for) is required. Ultimately I expect him to succeed and the security of his four-year long-term contract will enable him to do just about anything he damn well wants! Welsh public be warned!

The Welsh will be desperate to shine for Gatland's debut. They will be optimistic and positive and I am convinced they will push England before the power of England's pack first chokes, then dominate them. I fully expect that whatever the Welsh produce on the day they will improve markedly for the rest of the tournament. In racehorse terms, they will come on for the run...

The Welsh have the luxury of two weeks together, which they will need to adapt or adjust to the new emphasis their coach demands. Wales are currently ranked 10th and Gatland has asked for 12-18 months to be able to compete with the best teams in the world, one of which is England. For England there is no lead-in to this year's Six Nations and no training camps as the team meets up six days before they play Wales.

I think Gatland is a superior coach to Ashton, though I believe the latter is more than decent and not had a fair press. Despite denials, Ashton is undoubtedly on trial while I consider him too old and he would not be my England coach with the next World Cup in mind. Despite that, I am sure we will see a team less boring and reflecting more of this former fly-half's personality and beliefs. There is definitely more potential in England's backs than the Welsh's and we might have the opportunity to see it, if not in this game then the subsequent matches!

The England squad to be announced on Wednesday will be experienced with the old, the wise and the ugly, cue spaghetti western music. Ashton has publicly declared his intention to keep experience in the squad. The big difference between the two sides is that England has the top three front row combination in the world and an extremely competent second row. In compliment they have proved they have that extraordinary bulldog spirit. Together, this will be too much for the Welsh irrespective of team selection.

Currently England are [3.55] and Wales [9.2] to be Outright Winners of the RSB Six Nations with Betfair. Triple Crown winner prices see England [2.36] and Wales [11]. Grand Slam odds show England at [6.8] with Wales [21] also with Betfair.

Further interest is the team selections. Will Cipriani play instead of Wilkinson, will Vickery keep his place yet alone be captain, who will be the captains of both sides? Will Henson grow up and deliver his hidden promise?

The competition will also give Ireland a chance to erase their Gallic World Cup nightmare while Scotland will be expecting to progress. The French who have the best schedule are worthy favourites but not invincible so this could be the most fascinating Six Nations for years.