Six Nations
Gatland eyes English scrum
Scrum.com
January 27, 2010

Wales coach Warren Gatland is excited by the prospect of kicking off the Six Nations against England at Twickenham and admitted that his side would look to target their opponents' weakened front-row.

Martin Johnson has called young duo Matt Mullan and Dan Cole into the squad for the Six Nations due to injuries to Andrew Sheridan and Julian White, with Wales set to field the all-Lions front-row of Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees and the recently-returned Adam Jones on February 6.

"It is a great game to be starting with," he said. "I just hope it will be the catalyst it was two years ago (when a Wales victory kick-started a Grand Slam campaign), which gave us the confidence and momentum for the rest of the championship.

"Both teams are very similar, and whoever wins will go in with a bit of confidence for the rest of the championship. Both sides realise how important it is to win the first game.

"We will target certain areas, depending on who they pick up front. I am happy with our experience in the front five. Games are won up front, and it is important that our tight five fronts up."

Gatland will name his starting line-up for the game on Sunday and is still uncertain as to where the versatile James Hook will slot in. Hook started the November internationals at fullback due to an injury to Lee Byrne, but has been in brilliant form for the Ospreys in the centre.

Byrne is facing a disciplinary hearing in Dublin on Friday after appearing as a 16th man in the Ospreys' victory over Leicester last weekend, with the eventual sanction unclear, meaning that Hook may yet be pressed into action at No.15.

"We haven't settled on where James Hook will play," Gatland said, speaking before news of Byrne's hearing broke. "He prefers to play at 10, but his performances for the Ospreys in midfield have been pretty good and the balance between James and Andrew Bishop against Leicester was very good.

"Bishop's defence was outstanding, and James dictated. He did a good job at full-back against Australia, and he is a player you have got to find a position for and get him the ball. He can play 10, and he is equally capable at 15. You have got to find somewhere for him to play."

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