Wales may still have a rawness which Townsend can exploit

An era will end in Cardiff this evening when Bill McLaren utters his final words as a commentator to a Six Nations television audience, but a new one dawns for Wales, who yesterday appointed the New Zealander Steve Hansen as their coach for the next two years.

By Paul Rees

Hansen has been in charge of the side on a temporary basis since February when his compatriot Graham Henry resigned after a sequence of poor results. The Welsh Rugby Union was not expected to discuss the appointment until later this month, but acted with uncharacteristic speed after learning that Hansen had had a number of job offers.

Hansen's immediate future is assured but his opposite number today, Ian McGeechan, a coach of unquestioned pedigree, has come under pressure after only four wins in the past three championships with much resentment in Scotland at the influx of kilted Kiwis.

Wales have been playing the numbers game for years and it has proved mind-numbing with a significant constituency of fans turning their backs on the game. Given the furious politicking and lack of direction at the top, it is surprising that Hansen was eager to take over. "I have been very impressed with Steve," said the Wales manager Alan Phillips.

"What we saw against England last month was not a lack of ability or commitment but the failing of our club game. The ball-in-play time in a Welsh league match is some six minutes less than in an English one: players are too willing to give away penalties, coaches connive at that practice, and referees need to look at the way they handle games. We need to play at a quicker tempo because, in effect, we had to play an extra quarter at Twickenham."

McGeechan maintains that the Six Nations is not split into two divisions, decrying those who claim that France, England and Ireland are some way ahead of the rest. But the battle in Cardiff today is for fourth place and a modicum of pride.

"There is not much difference between the sides in the championship," said McGeechan. "Wales very nearly beat France and what we have failed to do this season is perform consistently for 80 minutes. We enjoyed a resounding victory over Ireland last September, but we do have to sort the structure of our season out and ensure that players come first: far too much is being asked of them."

A year ago Wales fielded an experienced side at Murrayfield, but David Young and Scott Gibbs have since retired from international rugby, Neil Jenkins and Scott Quinnell are out today with injury and Rob Howley will play his final international, having been hampered all season by a knee injury.

Despite the reintroduction of two of last year's Lions, Colin Charvis and Mark Taylor, and the return of the outhalf Stephen Jones, who passed a fitness test yesterday, Wales have a rawness which Scotland, for whom the outhalf Gregor Townsend is making a record 66th appearance, will be looking to exploit.

The Scots were aggrieved that they provided only three Lions compared to Wales's 10. Although Scotland have beaten Wales only once in the past five years, if they are in touch after an hour they should finish the stronger. That would leave McLaren to dance back to the borders.

Guardian Service