Hansen – “records Are There To Be Broken”

Steve Hansen has called on his young Wales side to make their mark in history by breaking their Irish jinx.
It is a staggering 20 years since the Dragons beat Ireland in Wales following their 16-9 success way back in 1983.
So the Wales coach upped the stakes ahead of the Six Nations clash by urging his players to end the miserable home run against their Celtic rivals.
‘Records are there to be broken,’ said Hansen.
‘That run has been brought up this week and tomorrow is a great opportunity for this team to create a piece of it’s own history.
‘Perhaps the record is a reflection on how things have changed over time.
‘Ireland have gone through the same troubles as us and were criticised for being a poor team.
‘But they stuck together, dug in and now they can compete with the best teams in the world – that is what we need to do right now.’
However victory for Grand Slam chasing Ireland at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow would not only stretch that record further but would condemn Wales to their fifth successive defeat – equalling their worst ever run.
‘There is not so much pressure on me but maybe there is on the team, they certainly need a win,’ said Hansen.
‘I have been involved with plenty of teams that have won major tournaments so perhaps this run doesn’t challenge my self-belief as much as it does for these boys. They haven’t had many wins.’
Hansen has made seven changes, including two positional, to the side beaten 30-22 by Scotland a fortnight ago.
The reshuffle sees axed skipper Colin Charvis handed a place in the starting lineup as well as Bath veteran Jonathan Humphreys who returns to captain the side.
Pontypridd prop Gethin Jenkins makes his first international start at tight-head prop.