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Six Nations champions Wales seek Ireland repeat

Sport
CARDIFF — Wales will begin their Six Nations title defence against Ireland when two of Europe’s most inconsistent teams meet at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium today.

CARDIFF — Wales will begin their Six Nations title defence against Ireland when two of Europe’s most inconsistent teams meet at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium today. Report by Reuters

And they will be even more keen than usual to repeat last season’s tournament opening 23-21 win over Ireland in Dublin after a third Six Nations Grand Slam in eight years was followed by a run of seven successive Test defeats. Three of those reverses were against the Wallabies in Australia in June to a combined total losing margin of just 11 points, but alarm bells were sounded towards the end of 2012 following home losses to Argentina and Samoa.But Wales captain Sam Warburton insisted his side were paying no attention to the prophets of doom.

“We weren’t favourites for the title last year and I remember most people wrote us off for the opening game, but not only did we win that game, but the Grand Slam,” Warburton said.

“As players, we ignore what is being said from outside. We will take massive confidence from being the reigning champions. No-one can take that away from us, no matter what has happened since then,” the openside flanker added“It was a great achievement and a lot of the boys from last year are here again and know what it takes.”

In the pack, Wales interim coach Rob Howley has reunited the 2009 British and Irish Lions front row of Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees and Adam Jones. Jenkins will become the 23rd player to play in 100 Test matches and only the fourth Welshman, when when he wins his 95th Wales cap today to add to five appearances for the Lions.