Stephen Jones and Iestyn Harris have insisted that there is no rivalry between them as coach Graham Henry kept them waiting before deciding who will kick for Wales in Sunday's Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin.

"Myself and Iestyn don't have a problem with it," maintained Jones, the man in form with the immaculate credentials of a 100% record from 16 kicks during Llanelli's magnificent European victories over Leicester and Bath in the Heineken Cup.

"Happy either way, no problems," agreed Harris the man in possession after taking the goalkicking duties in the autumn internationals.

Jones won the vote for the esteemed Wales number 10 shirt while Harris continues his rugby union learning curve following his conversion from rugby league by being chosen at inside centre for his Six Nations debut.

Both are more than happy.

"We would both just be delighted to win the game. We don't mind who kicks the goals," said Jones.

He is hoping to take his rich vein of club form to Lansdowne Road and says: "It is always nice when you are winning and things are going okay and I just hope it continues as long as possible."

If the restructured Wales team, showing seven changes from the side which ran world champions Australia close before losing 21-13 two months ago, need any extra incentive it is provided by the desire to erase the bitter memory of their 36-6 drubbing by Ireland in Cardiff in November in the Six Nations clash held over from last season because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

"It was hard to take. We didn't do ourselves justice. It isn't a very good feeling being booed off the Millennium Stadium," recalled Jones.

Anxious to put the memory behind him, he said: "You have to use that day as motivation and try to put things right. The Welsh clubs have generally struggled in the Celtic League this season so that is another thing to put behind us.

"I had a good win with Llanelli against Bath on Sunday but this weekend is totally different.

"Lansdowne Road is an interesting place to play because the wind can do crazy things and we will be playing against a really fiery Irish side. They are always on top of you.

"They still have the terracing there and the atmosphere is tremendous, like a big club ground."

But he expects Wales to rise to the occasion in an open match, stating: "Ireland have a very good back division but you never look to have a negative game plan with Wales."

Jones has adopted something of the unflappable mantle of his currently long-term injured club and country predecessor Neil Jenkins, the world's point-scoring record holder, with his phenomenal recent run of goalkicking form and he is quick to praise the man he has succeeded in the coveted number 10 shirt.

"He has given me great advice. I worked with him a lot in the Wales squad and have learned so much from him. Jenks has been fantastic," he added.

Harris, meanwhile, accepts he needs a little more time to adapt to union before taking the pivotal fly-half position.

But he is more than happy with the way things have gone since he joined Cardiff from rugby league giants Leeds last year.

"My main aim was to play for Wales and it's come very quickly for me. I'm starting to understand the game a bit more.

"I'm happy to play wherever picked, just happy to play for my country. I came with a really open mind and I'm happy with the progress. There have been ups and downs and I'm sure there will be for the next 12 months.

"When I came to union I thought 12 or 18 months down the line I would be confident going into matches and my view hasn't changed on that," said Harris.

He added: "This is a young Welsh back division and hopefully we can improve together and grow together in the future.

"It's going to be tough but we are excited about the prospect of going to Lansdowne Road. It should be fun."