So, with a new coaching set-up and new faces, how are you feeling going in?

Dewi Lake:

Yeah, I am feeling great with the new coaching set-up and the new faces. I think it has been a breath of fresh air for us as a group. It has brought a real sense of change, and the passion and energy the new coaching staff have brought has filtered down into the players and the environment. We are excited to get started. The level of detail the coaches bring is only going to make us better as players, and it will drive performances on the field as well.

Obviously there is respect for all nations, but with that in mind, England v Wales must be some first fixture to go into.

Dewi Lake:

Yeah, it is unbelievable. Wales against England away from home as a first fixture. The hostility you face from the crowd, evenarriving on the bus, is something special. That rivalry is still as big as ever, and it is a great game for us to target.

Everybody knows how important momentum is in this competition. A strong performance in game one against Italy and that momentum could soon be on your side going into the first three fixtures before the break.

I think it is crucially important that we put in a strong performance.

How much are you looking forward to rugby being the main focus now?

Dewi Lake:

I think that is what this competition gives us, the chance to focus our attention on Test match rugby. Ultimately, it allows us to focus on what we all want to be doing with our time anyway, which is playing rugby. It is easy for me to talk about rugby, and a lot harder when there is other stuff going on off the field. Getting into this competition and being able to focus on England first up will be a breath of fresh air for everyone, and it will allow us all to really lock in on that.

Are you able to put into words the emotions you will feel as captain on that first day?

Dewi Lake:

It is always difficult to put those emotions into words. Every time it feels more special, rather than more normal. Each opportunity makes me more appreciative, because I know how quickly you can get injured or miss out on selection. That is the nature of the game we play. I do not think the emotions could be any higher for a first match anyway, especially Wales against England.