After an uninspired performance in the World Cup, Wales will be hoping to re-ignite the flames of success that saw them defeat then-world champions South Africa in June last year.

After an eight-match winning run, hopes were high that Graham Henry's men could seriously challenge for the world crown.

But defeat to Manu Samoa in the group stages and their exit to eventual World Champions Australia left the home side with a 50% record of success.

It was a rude awakening after superb victories over France and England and ex-Auckland coach Henry - so used to success in New Zealand - will be in no mood to taste further defeat in the inaugural Six Nations championship.

Indeed, Welsh fans can rightfully feel hard done by that last year's championship escaped them.

After losing to both Ireland and Scotland their form spiralled as they ignited the competition with some fine running rugby at the Stade de France.

The media christened the team 'Henry's Heroes', and the Welsh Rugby Union released a video to boot.

It certainly marked an upturn in Welsh fortunes as a number of key players - Scott Quinnell, Neil Jenkins, Mark Taylor, Peter Rogers and Chris Wyatt among others - hit a superb vein of form.

Return of the Dragon

Wales had been starved of success for almost 20 years and the fans replied by flocking to their new Millennium Stadium.

Henry warned that his side did not have the personnel to succeed. It made little difference.

The Welsh embraced their team wholeheartedly and as the curtain rose on the 1999 World Cup, few will forget the passion surrounding their opening game against Argentina.

The match will not be remembered as a classic. Instead, it was a workmanlike performance against a strong Argentinian side who went on reach the quarter-finals.

But when the camera panned past self-styled hard-man Scott Gibbs as the teams sung the anthems, only to pick up a tear running down his cheek, it once again emphasised the importance of rugby union to those west of the Severn.

Even Henry was taken aback on his arrival. And that from a rugby-soaked Kiwi.

If Europe's new competition was determined by the passion of its supporters, few would argue against the Welsh taking the crown.

At last, they have developed a taste for winning. Don't bet too heavily against them come April.