O'Sullivan plays down talk of an Irish title march

Time was when Ireland were dead certs to win in Cardiff - or Wembley, for that matter. They managed to win away in this fixture in nine out of 10 meetings, and the 10th was a draw.

Wales put that dreadful streak behind them in 2005 with a victory that sealed the Grand Slam. A bare two years later, however, they are underdogs again.

"Ireland are total favourites," said Gareth Jenkins, the Wales coach. "They are a side on form who have been together for a long time and they have world-class players."

Jenkins' opposite number, Eddie O'Sullivan, while not disagreeing, is clearly uncomfortable with the tag. "I suppose you prefer to be favourites," he admitted, grudgingly. "But being labelled favourites can often come back and bite you in the arse."

He was recalling the last occasion when Ireland were made favourites for the tournament, which just happened to be two years ago. This time, he does not see Ireland fans queuing at the bookies to back their team. "People tell me Ireland are favourites, but I don't see anyone sticking their hands in their pockets," he said.

Ireland's form in the autumn elevated their place in the International Rugby Board's world rankings. They overcame South Africa and Australia in successive weekends, kindling hopes of their first championship title since 1985. Some harbour dreams that Ireland might complete a Grand Slam for the second time in their history - the first was in 1948.

"Nobody would put their mortgage on a Grand Slam," said O'Sullivan, whose side face games at home to France and England after tomorrow's match. "Two years on, we're a more skilful side. This a better Irish team on a number of fronts. There's a lot more maturity in key positions, there's more leadership on the field and there's also a better sense of what we're trying to do as a team. But to win you need a slice of luck."

They are unlikely to get anything, let alone luck, from Wales. Jenkins is brimming with optimism.

Despite the setback of losing the wing Gareth Thomas to suspension - the Toulouse player announced yesterday that he would not appeal against the four-week ban and fine he received this week for his part in a controversial Heineken Cup match against Ulster last month - and the dropping of the centre Gavin Henson, Jenkins is fielding, on club form at least, a pacy and ambitious back-line. He has also picked some dynamic and technically adept forwards.

"I would expect Ireland to target our line-out," he said, presumably because of the inexperience of the Ospreys lock forward Alun Wyn Jones. "Alun Wyn is young, but he is going to be a great rugby player. I am expecting a lot of him in this Six Nations."

Then there is the scrum, and there Jenkins perceives a possible Irish frailty. "We realise that Ireland scrummage in a particular way and the three players I have picked will challenge Ireland in that area," he said. "While we don't see the front row as an Ireland weakness, nevertheless it is not one of their strengths. With the talent that I have, and the style that we play, we will challenge most teams."

Jenkins, of course, is determined to continue Wales' "run" of home victories against Ireland, and as far as he is concerned massed Welsh voices singing Cwm Rhondda will lift his side to far greater heights than any song the Irish bring with them.

"The Millennium Stadium on a good day is a formidable place to have to play rugby," he said, "and I am sure, come Sunday, that the atmosphere there will actually be the best. I don't think for one minute that The Fields of Athenry will actually have an impact."

Millennium Stadium Teams

Wales

15 K Morgan (N-G Dragons)

14 H Luscombe (Harlequins)

13 J Robinson (Cardiff Blues)

12 J Hook (Ospreys)

11 C Czekaj (Cardiff Blues)

10 S Jones (Scarlets, capt)

9 D Peel (Llanelli Scarlets)

1 G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues)

2 R Thomas (Cardiff Blues)

3 C Horsman (Worcester)

4 I Gough (N-G Dragons)

5 A Wyn Jones (Ospreys)

6 A Popham (Llanelli Scarlets)

7 M Williams (Cardiff Blues)

8 R Jones (Ospreys)

Replacements: M Rees (Llanelli Scarlets); D Jones (Ospreys); R Sidoli (Cardiff Blues); G Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets); M Phillips (Cardiff Blues); C Sweeney (N-G Dragons); A Brew (N-G Dragons).

Ireland

15 G Dempsey (Leinster)

14 A Trimble (Ulster)

13 B O'Driscoll (Leinster, capt)

12 G D'Arcy (Leinster)

11 D Hickie (Leinster)

10 R O'Gara (Munster)

9 P Stringer (Munster)

1 M Horan (Munster)

2 R Best (Ulster)

3 J Hayes (Munster)

4 D O'Callaghan (Munster)

5 P O'Connell (Munster)

6 S Easterby (Llanelli Scarlets)

7 D Wallace (Munster)

8 D Leamy (Munster)

Replacements: J Flannery (Munster); S Best (Ulster); N Best (Ulster); M O'Driscoll (Munster); I Boss (Ulster); P Wallace (Ulster); G Murphy (Leicester).