Josh Adams is confident Wales can make their mark on this year’s Guinness Six Nations, as they hunt their second consecutive Championship crown.
The defending champions kick off their campaign when they welcome Italy to the Welsh capital on Saturday.
Adams will line up on the wing for Wayne Pivac’s side at Principality Stadium, taking his tally to 22 caps since making his debut against Scotland.
The Cardiff Blues star is enjoying life under the new coaching team and insists the squad head into the Championship with a positive mentality.
“The new coaches have come in and added value,” said Adams.
“The foundations Warren and the other coaches built were fantastic and we had great success. The new guys have added their part to it.
“I’d like to think we’re developing our game. We won’t be the perfect team come Saturday, but I definitely think we’ll put teams under a lot of pressure and hopefully it’ll be exciting to watch.
“We’ve hit the ground running, are looking sharp, and there are smiles on faces. It’s always exciting leading into that first game.
“It’s great we’re at home as well. We’re buzzing to get out there.
“Wayne has said it. We are not here to defend it, we are here to win the trophy again.
“That’s the mentality. We have to be ruthless and take our chances.
“There is no reason why we can’t win it again.”
Joining Adams and Leigh Halfpenny in the back three is uncapped Scarlets wing, Johnny McNicholl, who makes his competitive debut for Wales against Gli Azzurri.
Another uncapped player included in the Six Nations squad is 18 year old Gloucester wing, Louis Rees-Zammit, who came through Cardiff Blues’ age grade pathway.
Adams says the uncapped duo have contributed positively to the squad in the build-up to Saturday’s opener and insists the competition for places brings out the best in each player.
“They’ve been great,” added Adams.
“Johnny added some real value in that Barbarians week. Down at the Scarlets he is really comfortable playing at full-back and wing as is comfortable in the back-field.
“He’s a great athlete and is looking sharp. Louis is tearing it up for Gloucester. He’s rapid, has been scoring some great tries, is improving and is looking good. Louis has been a breath of fresh air.
“I shared a room with him for the last two nights so we’ve had some good chats. He’s a legend, a nice guy, and has settled in with the boys really well.
“It’s great to see him out there and enjoying it. As I experienced it is a bit daunting walking into the room and shaking hands with everybody. It’s only going to benefit him as it did with me.”