Wales skipper Biggar relishing tough task in Dublin

Wales captain Dan Biggar is even more wary of Ireland following their autumn successes.

Andy Farrell's side were impressive winners over Japan, New Zealand and Argentina, while Wales will arrive in Dublin for their opening Guinness Six Nations gambit on 5 February missing a host of experienced names.

Team captain Alun Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Leigh Halfpenny, Justin Tipuric, Josh Navidi, George North and Taulupe Faletau are all unavailable for the match.

In addition, the visitors have not won in Dublin in the competition since 2012.

"It’s a really tough start," said the 95-times capped Biggar at the tournament launch.

"Obviously, with the form Ireland showed in the autumn – how impressive they are – and we know how tough going to Dublin is. We haven’t had a huge amount of success there over the last few years.

"This tournament, in particular, hinges on momentum, really.

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"If you get off to a good start, then everything seems to flow, camps become a lot happier and training becomes a lot easier. For us, it is really important to get a good start.

"If you can pick up an away win on the first weekend, then it sets you up really nicely. We have then got Scotland at home, which we know is going to be hugely difficult as well.

"The opening couple of weekends are pivotal to how the tournament will go for you, and we are hoping we can get off to a good start and use the 10 days or so we’ve got now to give ourselves the best chance in Dublin a week on Saturday."

The Northampton fly-half also paid tribute to Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton, with the duo joking that referee Jaco Peyper