Wales ready to embrace tough start as they target Six Nations title success
Wales will aim to end a five-year wait for Six Nations title success this season - and assistant coach Rob Howley knows that momentum is key.
Silverware ambitions will undoubtedly stand or fall on Wales' opening three games - Scotland at home, England away, Ireland in Dublin.
They have not lost to the resurgent Scots in Cardiff since 2002, but England are on a run of 22 wins in 23 games under head coach Eddie Jones and Ireland appear well-positioned for a major championship assault.
"It (Six Nations) is the premier tournament in the northern hemisphere - a stellar tournament - and there is a trophy to be won," Howley said.
"When you go into the autumn, it is great to play against the tier one nations of the southern hemisphere and have the opportunity to develop your game and players, particularly when you are looking four years outside the World Cup.
"But when you go into the Six Nations, it is about winning. The (Wales) squad reflects that, and it is a tournament we all look forward to.
"We have not won it for a period of time, and that is very much at the forefront of our minds. The old cliche is about momentum, winning the first game, and all that comes into your thought-process.
"We have a big challenge first up. Ii is good to be at home and to have Scotland.
"They turned us over last year, something we are mindful of, and we want to start the tournament with the ability to play rugby and put them under pressure. We are looking to start fast and well."
Wales' recent autumn campaign saw them encourage a style of play that featured two midfield playmakers in Dan Biggar and Owen Williams, while it will be fascinating to see if head coach Warren Gatland's two uncapped selections - Worcester wing Josh Adams and Scarlets flanker James Davies - get their chance.
Injuries have not been kind to Wales, with Sam Warburton and Jonathan Davies sidelined for the whole tournament, and a third British and Irish Lion - Bath number eight Taulupe Faletau - a likely absentee for their first three matches.
Some bookmakers have installed Wales as a distant 15-1 title shot, but Gatland's men have made a mockery of odds in the past, both on the Six Nations and World cup stages.
"I know Gregor Townsend (Scotland head coach) very well, and he's a very good friend of mine," Howley added. "He's one of my ex-half back partners, and he came to my wedding.
"He has done a great job taking Scotland on from Vern Cotter and getting some outstanding victories in the autumn.
"They will come down (to Cardiff) very buoyant, even though they've got a couple of injuries in the front row. We will need to focus on our discipline, but I think it's going to be a cracking game. Wales-Scotland games always are in terms of the fast and furious brand of rugby.
"We have got a lot of experience in our squad, players who have been there on big occasions.
"We want to be going into Super Saturday (Six Nations final weekend) again being in a position where we can win the championship."