WALES are set to scare the Six Nations big boys, says skills coach Scott Johnson.

The Australian (pictured), number two to Steve Hansen, issues a warning to the other sides ahead of Saturday's first game against Scotland at the Millennium Stadium.

"We want to play well, and if we do we will scare the pants off a few hot shots," he said today.

"Obviously I am talking about England and France, though Ireland are in the mix too. France are always dangerous, though you never know how they are going to play, and then there's Sir Clive's England.

"I still defy people to pick our best side because of the squad we have. It's nice we have players fighting for positions, they've got to work for it which is representative of what this country is all about."

Johnson said injured pair Robin McBryde (back) and Robert Sidoli (groin) would have further fitness tests today ahead of the team announcement tonight.

But both are considered doubtful after missing training yesterday, as did Alix Popham, the Leeds and former Newport back row forward, who today ruled himself out of the reckoning because of an ankle injury.

Gareth Llewellyn, favourite to replace Sidoli if he is ruled out, says preparing for this Six Nations is a welcome distraction from his problems with the Neath/Swansea Ospreys.

The most capped Wales forward was last week put on the transfer list, basically surplus to requirement.

"It's nice to be here, this is a welcome distraction from the situation of the Ospreys," he said.

"I don't want to go into the details now, they took a decision and they wanted me to go on the transfer list.

"I've just got to focus on what's ahead of me, I've got a responsibility to others in the squad to be switched on for the Six Nations and I'll deal with my situation when the time comes."

Llewellyn expects Scotland to fly at Wales with new coach in Matt Williams in charge.

"They will come at us with all guns blazing," he predicted. "They got big ball carriers in Taylor and White, and I'm sure their new coach will get them playing with a bit of width.

"The new coach will want to make the team sit up and take notice which generally makes for an uplifting performance.

"As much as the Welsh public enjoyed our performances in the World Cup they will only put up with performances for so long, they expect wins now which brings a different type of pressure though it says where we've come from.

"Despite the situation with the Ospreys I've been really nervous and had butterflies yesterday which is a good sign. It would be unfair to the others if I was here just for the ride."

Johnson singled out Chris Paterson as the Scottish danger man: "He has been the form number ten, brave and with genuine talent."