Wales set sights on Triple Crown (From Western Telegraph)

Wales set sights on Triple Crown

9:10am Monday 13th February 2012 in Wales Rugby By Chris Kirwan

WALES will head to Twickenham in 12 days’ time with a Triple Crown within their grasp after storming past Scotland in Cardiff yesterday.

Scotland couldn’t live with a brutal Welsh opening to the second half at the Millennium Stadium, seeing the scoreboard rapidly change from 3-3 to 27-6 in 16 stunning minutes.

The 27-13 win, with Leigh Halfpenny helping himself to 22 points, ensured that part two of Wales’ Triple Crown assignment was successfully completed following the opening-day victory in Ireland.

It also means that one country will lose their perfect Six Nations record when Warren Gatland’s side head to London on Saturday, February 25.

Wales have now been installed as tournament favourites and are tipped by the bookies to win the Triple Crown against an England side that have spluttered to victory against Scotland and Italy, their two tries coming from charge downs.

There was more good news for Wales as it appears star man George North will be fit for Twickenham.

Wales were fearing the worst as North was led from the pitch in the first half yesterday, but it later appeared his rolled ankle was not as serious as first thought.

Gatland said his charges are already excited by what is sure to be a no-holds-barred contest against the old enemy.

“If you can’t get motivated for playing for a Triple Crown and playing against England then you shouldn’t be putting the jersey on,” said the head coach.

“The players will work hard this week and get ourselves right mentally for England. It will be tough but we have everything to play for.

“We knew that Scotland would be tougher than some of the public expected and we are pleased with the performance given the disruption of losing Sam Warburton and Bradley Davies and being without three or four players.

“That is a sign of maturity for this team. It didn’t affect them psychologically and they just got on with it.”

Warburton was a late withdrawal after he failed to recover from the thigh injury that he sustained in Dublin.

Wales are hopeful of having him back in their ranks for the clash against England along with fellow openside Justin Tipuric, hooker Matthew Rees and lock Alun Wyn Jones.

Defence coach Shaun Edwards felt that the abrasive Scots had given his side the perfect warm-up for the challenge a week on Saturday.

“It was a great hit out in preparation for England because they will be very combative at the breakdown, as Scotland were.

“In past England have tried to upset our rhythm and tried to upset Mike Phillips, which is certainly what Scotland did.

“The numbers of wins at Twickenham over the last 20 or 30 years have been minimal but we are relishing the challenge.”