Gwyn Jones: The reasons it doesn't have to be doom and gloom for Wales and the young players to carry us into the future

It was a chastening opening day defeat against Ireland. Wales were brushed aside comprehensively, without being able to dent the polished performance of the home side.

What is also true is that this did not come as a big surprise. I think we all feared that this was likely but hoped Wales could somehow escape the reality.

Next Wales face Scotland in the second round of the Championship again, a Scottish side who, like last year, are coming off the back of an inspirational win against England.

With the Scots smarting from defeat to Wayne Pivac's side 12 months ago, Wales’ Six Nations is in the balance.

The Welsh attacking play has come in for some rough treatment this week. Wales could not land a meaningful blow against the Irish and nothing exemplifies this more than the penalty count.

Predominantly, penalties are conceded by the defensive side when they are under stress, they make errors under pressure because they feel the threat is real. They slow the ball down at the ruck, collapse a driving maul or try to pinch a yard getting back into a defensive line.

Wales were unable to stress Ireland at any stage and consequently the home side never felt they were losing control of the play and never felt the need to transgress.

Much of the criticism has been aimed at the attacking structure and the lack of options Wales had compared to Ireland. But that was only a product of Ireland having quick ball going forward, whereas Wales had slow ball standing flat.

And therein lies the problem. It really doesn’t matter what your tactics are and who is standing at first receiver; if you are dominating the gain line you will look like world beaters.

And so, when looking ahead to the match this weekend, winning the collisions is where