Vickery on Wales’ Heineken Cup factor

Jan 27 2008 by Simon Roberts, Wales On Sunday

PHIL VICKERY is determined England won’t underestimate the Welsh challenge at Twickenham in their Six Nations opener.

The England skipper is defending a 20-year run at HQ without defeat to the Old Enemy.

But Vickery admits the performances of the Welsh regions in Europe will have been a major confidence boost to Warren Gatland’s side.

“The Welsh will come to us full of confidence with their victories over Gloucester and Bristol in the Heineken Cup,” said Vickery.

“Winning always breeds confidence and the bulk of their squad is full of players from the Ospreys and the Blues, who have beaten English sides.

“They will also have a point to prove after a disappointing World Cup campaign.

“We know Wales have world-class players and how dangerous they can be.

“They also have a new coaching team in Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards and will be wanting to impress them.”

Vickery, who is coached by Edwards at London Wasps, has revealed how he gave his coach his blessing to join Wales.

“We all knew Shaun had ambitions to coach at international level,” said Vickery. “It can only benefit Wasps in the long run.

“It’s no secret how well he and Warren get on but we wish him all the best, just not on Saturday.”

Vickery leads a new-look England side shorn of some big leaders into this Six Nations campaign.

Lawrence Dallaglio, Martin Corry, Jason Robinson and Mike Catt all retired from Test match rugby after the World Cup in France, where Vickery led his side to a remarkable final appearance, before losing to South Africa in Paris.

“It’s just exciting to be back together after the World Cup,” said Vickery.

“There is always expectation with England, but we have to prove ourselves all over again.

“We have some new faces and that just adds to it all. We certainly don’t think we are favourites, and I don’t think there are any favourites for this Six Nations.”

England, though, despite Vickery’s protestations will be favourites for the tournament.

Their remarkable display in the World Cup underlined all the qualities – team spirit, doggedness, bloody mindedness – that have made English rugby such a force.

Meanwhile, Vickery’s boss, Brian Ashton, is certainly aware of Wales’ X-men – Gatland and Edwards.

“They are bloody good coaches,” said Ashton. “I know both of them very well. They are winners and they will look to instil that into the Welsh lads.

“New coaches always get a reaction and Wales are a bit of an unknown quantity because of that.

“We know there will be a change in style and approach, but Wales have some good rugby players.

“They beat us last season and we have no divine right to think, just because we are at home, that we just have to turn up and get the win.

“All we are focused on is putting in a good performance – the rest will look after itself. They will want to prove they are a good side after the disappointment of the World Cup. We just want to build on what we did and also add more things to our game.”