Scotland coach Ian McGeechan has hailed what he sees as one of the most competitive Six Nations Championships in years.

Ahead their final clash with Wales at the Millenniium Stadium, McGeechan commented, "I think that the Six Nations has been competitive right the way through this season," he said.

"We were close to France at Murrayfield a fortnight ago, and so were Wales when they played the French in their second game.

"There is very little between top and bottom in the Six Nations. Maybe it is about a team who gets an early victory and then enjoys something of a roll," he added.

With both countries having claimed just one victory a piece during this season's tournament, there is little at stake in front of an anticipated 72,000 capacity crowd.

Scotland will arrive in the Welsh capital having recorded just one victory since 1990 - a 16-14 success six years ago - but they will still fancy their chances against a much-changed Wales side.

Caretaker coach Steve Hansen has made five changes from the team thrashed in record fashion by England last time out, and the six alterations will be confirmed later today if fly-half Stephen Jones wins his fitness battle against a knee problem that has troubled him this week.

Swansea back-row forward Colin Charvis has taken over as captain from the injured Scott Quinnell, while Charvis' club colleague and fellow Lion Mark Taylor is back after less than a handful of games since suffering serious knee trouble last summer.

McGeechan, though, has every respect for Hansen, "After Ireland (Wales lost 54-10 in Dublin), Wales have been very competitive. They have played with ambition and real resolve, which are traits that you would expect," McGeechan said.

"I think that the Welsh side on Saturday is a far better-balanced team. It is more mobile and it will make for a very interesting contest."

Scotland fly-half Gregor Townsend will be the centre of attention from the visitors' perspective this weekend as he wins his 66th cap - a new international record north of the border.

Townsend will overtake former Lions and Scotland centre Scott Hastings, but the Castres playmaker is keen to play down his achievements.

"I will probably get a buzz on Saturday, but you don't play rugby in order to get records," Townsend said.

"As far as the team is concerned, we have not played for 80 minutes at any time throughout this championship, and we need to play to our potential.

"The guys are desperate to do that in what is our last game of the season's tournament."