Reward will come to those who dare to be different
Wales show that in the professional era you do not win the Six Nations by attempting nothing - so writes Rob Kitson in The Guardian.
"Both England and Italy will kick the "b" out of Gilbert at Twickenham this afternoon, all too aware that playing the game in your own half under the current breakdown protocols represents a serious risk. Ronan O'Gara will give the old pimpled bladder a proper work-out at Croke Park, too, and Wales have not chosen to start with Stephen Jones at fly-half on a casual whim. Caution has been the season's watchword and woe betide the team who end up hoist by their own attack-minded petard.
"But wait. The evidence of the Six Nations in the professional era is pretty conclusive. You simply do not win the title, or many big games, by shutting up shop and attempting nothing. Wales were deserved grand slam winners last year because they dared to be a little bit different, backing themselves to crank up the pace and pinning their faith in a footballing back three and a proactive defence. There is a message in there somewhere and it is this: sides who stick stubbornly to the orthodox will finish in mid-table, if they are lucky."
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