Six Nations 2002 - Wales profiles

SCOTT QUINNELL

IAN GOUGH
lock
Size really does matter in international rugby these days and althoughWales can still produce their sturdy battlers, they have suffered from nothaving the really mobile big boys. But the 24-year-old Newport forward, at6ft 5in and 17st, fits the bill perfectly for Graham Henry. Still arelative novice he has nevertheless made a big impact with his power,technique and ball-handling skills. Plus, he can clear out a ruck with thebest.

ROBIN MCBRYDE
hooker
The strongman of the Wales pack. McBryde, the only player from North Wales in thesquad, won his first cap back in 1994 and then had to wait seven yearsbefore, at 31, he was called upon by his country against England lastseason. In between, McBryde had been a weightlifter and fitness fanatic,winning the Wales Strongest Man competition. ... and he had built animpressive club career with Llanelli. McBryde was a surprise Lions' choiceand was hit by injury but has been in great form for Llanelli in theirEuropean campaign.

ROB HOWLEY
scrum half
Another Welsh Lion at the peak of his powers and like Quinnell had to comethrough a difficult time in his career - dropped by Graham Henry - toachieve a measure of greatness. Excellent Lions tour on which he pushedEngland's Matt Dawson down the pecking order and showed he is a world classscrum half. He will win a record 55th cap for a Wales scrum half ifhe plays against Ireland in their opener. Good for all genuine fans, since Howley sniping off the packwith ball in hand is one of the great sights in rugby. Let's hope IestynHarris learns to be a fly half soon since it could prove some partnership.

IESTYN HARRIS
inside centre
A genuine talent but taking time to look the million dollars plus paid byCardiff and Wales to import him from rugby league. Unlike Jason Robinson, he has not had the comfort of playing in a winning team. He's kicking goalsobviously, since the technique does not change, and his tactical kickingfrom hand is improving. But he was embarrassed by Felipe Contempomi in thatbad defeat by Argentina. Wales want him to succeed Neil Jenkins in the No10 shirt but expect him to sit on the dependable Stephen Jones' shoulderfor this championship.

RHYS WILLIAMS
full back
The Cardiff lad has bags of pace, skill and guts plus some vitalresilience. Coach Graham Henry picked him as a potential game-breaker butdropped him twice as Wales struggled during last season's Six Nations. Hasbeen in good form for Cardiff and ironed out some of the inconsistency inhis game. Could establish himself as first choice if he sees off thechallenge of Kevin Morgan.