The reigning Grand Slam Champions head into the tournament on the back of a disappointing run of results but Warburton will be telling his troops to stay positive ahead of the opening Millennium Stadium encounter with the Irish.
“It didn’t go as well as we’d have liked in the autumn campaign or the summer tour but what we’ve got to do now is play with confidence,” said Warburton.
“We played with more confidence in the last two Tests in the autumn against New Zealand and Australia and we played a lot better in those games. That’s the biggest message we can take forward into the 6 Nations.
“If we can carry that forward and play with more confidence, hopefully the performances will come.
“Knowing that we’re the defending champions will fill the players with confidence – it’s a great position to be in. I’d rather be going in like that than having coming fourth, fifth and sixth for the last few years. That added bit of pressure is quite nice in a way.”
Warburton admits that winning naturally breeds the confidence Wales will be looking for and therefore starting with a success of any sorts on February 2 would be a big boost.
The influential openside saw how momentum grew and grew after the semi-final showing at the 2011 World Cup and each 6 Nations tie that followed and he’s hoping for more of the same this time around.
“Last season in the 6 Nations when we won a game and came back into camp it was a happier place to be in, there was less pressure, and as that continues to happen, training almost gets easier. The media put pressure on the players but you actually enjoy yourself more and more.
“Momentum last year was massive for us. I know first hand how important that is. We’ll be putting a big emphasis on getting the win against Ireland. If we lose, then we’ve got three away games to follow and it suddenly becomes very tough.
“Obviously, home advantage is nice but we’re going to have to make the most of that as we only have two home games this time around. The home games will be massive for us and I’m sure we’ll have bumper crowds and that will have a big effect on us.
“Knowing the feeling of what it’s like to lift that trophy and knowing that I could be in that position again if we win the 6 Nations is a great feeling. It’s something which we will all definitely be working towards again.”
