SCOTLAND may have had a disappointing World Cup, but far more is expected of them in the Six Nations Championship with a new coach and new back-up.

The Welsh players are guarded about the Scottish challenge and they are expecting them to come out firing at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

"They will be physical, especially at the start with a new coach behind them," predicted Wales hooker Mefin Davies. who steps in for injured Robin McBryde. "They'll be coming down here looking for a win."

He also believes the success of Edinburgh in reaching the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup will play a significant part in the Scottish approach, though he admits Welsh expectations are now higher as a result of their comparative success in the World Cup.

"Edinburgh have been very effective with the quality of their rugby, especially early on in the Heineken Cup.

"The way they have played in the competition is a credit to them.

"The Welsh provinces have overcome the Scottish challenge, but the international jersey means so much more and I've got to take the opportunity which doesn't come around often.

"We can build on the World Cup and cross the barrier of losing and get used to winning. The World Cup was a good foundation and I'd rather be confident and believe in what we're doing.

"The expectations are higher and we've got to be one step ahead and get to know your players and the team, which takes time."

Prop Duncan Jones has now recovered from a broken leg which invalided him out of the World Cup, and has put all thoughts of that setback out of his mind, especially now he's been recalled to face Scotland.

"It was difficult when I started back, but I can't dwell on it.

"The medical team looked after me well and I got back as soon as I could," he said.

"I did a lot of running before I took contact, and I've got four games under my belt now.

"Losing is in the past, it's up to us to look after the future and make sure we get off to a good start. Then the future will look after itself anyway.

"Last season's whitewash is history and so is the World Cup. We're happy with the way we played, but we can't rest on that either, that's gone now."