IT'S going to be fireworks on Saturday, predicts Wales star Iestyn Harris ahead of the Six Nations Championship opener against Scotland at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales now boast a back division fit to scare any side with players of the calibre of artful dodger Shane Williams, Gareth Thomas, Sonny Parker and Harris himself.

And Scotland come down with a new coach and some new exciting young backs like Bath wing Simon Danielli and Edinburgh centre Tom Phillip.

"Playing in a backline with such speed as us, whoever in the world we're playing against we are going to create opportunities," said Harris.

"Everyone is looking sharp and if we can get good quality ball, which we've been getting in recent games, we'll be looking to fire on all cylinders.

"Past Six Nations results are irrelevant and I'm looking forward to good competition. It should be a massive game and I'm very excited about it, it should be fireworks.

"It's going to be very physical early on and our forwards are going to have to be physical, because they will."

It is seven years since Wales started the championship with a victory, but Harris insists that poor record counts for nothing and a bright start is essential.

"It's irrelevant what's gone in the past," he said. "We are desperate to get a good start and kick on from there, but if we make a poor start then we'll be on the back foot.

"In the World Cup we played against two of the best teams in the world (New Zealand and England) and we won our earlier pool games.

"We started to get the rewards in the World Cup and we want to do it all through the Six Nations.

"There are expectations after that, but we're where we want to be. The first time you go in as favourites you're going to get that, but it's one we want to keep."

Harris warns against taking Scotland too lightly. "There is an argument that this is the best time to play Scotland," he admitted. "But they've got a new coach and everyone is playing for his place.

"Scotland is never an easy game, and we'll have to play extremely well to come up with the points."