Under-fire coach Steve Hansen insists this week has been one of the best of his career as he attempts to rally his Welsh team for tomorrow's ominous RBS 6 Nations encounter with England in Cardiff.

The New Zealander has been heavily criticised along with his players for last week's debilitating defeat by Italy in Rome.

Hansen's questioning of his team's spirit in the Stadio Flaminio and his decision to wield the axe in the wake of the 30-22 loss have both been attacked - with former Welsh coach Alan Davies blasting the personnel changes as a 'nightmare'.

But Hansen remained defiant today as he prepared for tomorrow's clash at the Millennium Stadium where Clive Woodward's men are expected to run up a cricket score.

``I wouldn't have wanted to be a fish this week because I would have been eaten,'' said Hansen.

``I have not read the papers, and everyone is entitled to their opinion. I would just ask him [Davies] what he would do.

``I have really had to do a lot of things that in the past I didn't have to do. When I look back I will be able to consider this was one of the best weeks of my career.

``It is not every week you play so poorly and lose to Italy and then get smashed by every Tom, Dick and Harry and have a team of players who are gutted in themselves.

``I don't think we have been tough on them in questioning their desire. But the problem was the application was very, very poor - and we have got to get the application right.''

Hansen admitted the hardest task was dropping out-of-sorts captain Colin Charvis to the bench after his ineffectual display against Italy - and he hit out at the vilification of the Swansea number eight in a poll in the Principality.

``We have had to make some big decisions. We've dropped our captain, which was not a pleasant experience for him or me,'' added Hansen, who handed the captain's armband to Jonathan Humphreys even though the Bath hooker has not played for Wales since 1999.

``I really believe Colin has copped a lot of unnecessary flak for the past month. It's put a lot of pressure on him, and there's no doubt that's one of the reasons why he hasn't performed.

``But to be voted the second most hated man in Wales, behind Bin Laden and just ahead of Saddam Hussein, is repulsive.''

Hansen insists Wales have nothing to fear facing England, even though Woodward's men are expected to test the record books as they bid to move closer to the Grand Slam.

``I have never had the problem that we were expected to get a hammering, and it's a learning curve in that department. But realistically everyone has got an idea where Welsh rugby is,'' added Hansen.

``I will tell the guys to believe in themselves tomorrow. I am sure there is going to be plenty of desire. There has been plenty all week in training, and we can't wait to play.

``Everyone has written us off, but that's when an animal is at its most dangerous. We have nothing to lose.

``We have got to go out there and respect them but certainly not fear them.

``The fact that we are playing one of the best sides in the world is one that I enjoy - and so do the team. It gives the players a good measuring stick. Who better to play at home when your back is against the wall than England.''

Wales have not beaten England in Cardiff for a decade, and their last victory came four years ago at Wembley when centre Scott Gibbs crossed for the late try and outside-half Neil Jenkins slotted over the conversion.

Pontypridd's Ceri Sweeney will make his first start by filling the number 10 berth in a half-back partnership with recalled Bath scrum-half Gareth Cooper.

Charvis's place at number eight is taken by the final member of the Bath triumvirate in Gavin Thomas, while Llanelli's Dafydd Jones comes in at blindside flanker to replace Michael Owen.

Other changes in the backs see a return for centre Mark Taylor - while Swansea's Kevin Morgan resumes at full-back, with Cardiff's Rhys Williams moving to wing for Mark Jones who was poleaxed in Rome.