Dai Young fears that weary Welsh Lions will suffer in Six Nations

Dai Young feels the after-effects of a gruelling Lions tour could hinder Wales‘s chances of becoming the first side to claim three Six Nations titles in a row.
Young, capped 51 times by Wales between 1987 and 2001, believes his countrymen start as favourites, but fears revitalised England could pip them to the crown.
Former prop Young told The Rugby Paper: “Going into the tournament, everyone is going to be looking at how Wales perform. They’re the current champions, they had the bulk of the Lions squad that played so well last summer, but that could work against them as well.
“Traditionally, we’ve seen after Lions tours that the team providing the most players always struggles. Wales are in pole position if everyone is fit, but it will be interesting to see how they handle the fatigue factor. That’s always a rock people carry on their backs.
“But there’s history in the making and it’s nice to have that extra bit of motivation. Whenever you’re fatigued or missing a player or two it always helps and they’re a proud bunch looking to do just that. But there are good teams looking to stop them.
“England are going to continue their development and I fancy them to do really well. I like the way Stuart Lancaster is going about things and he’s doing a great job.
“The communication between Stuart and the clubs has been really first class, and there are no grey areas when it comes to selection. Guys know exactly where they stand now and, from my point of view, I feel it’s between Wales and England to win it.”
Young admits France are the unknown quality who should perform better this year, and he reckons Ireland‘s players will be out to prove a few points in light of their provincial success in Europe and the fact so many of them failed to tour with the Lions.
It will also be Brian O’Driscoll’s last Six Nations and Young expects Ireland’s talisman to be revved-up after his final Lions Test snub by Wales boss Warren Gatland.
“The Irish provinces have performed strongly in Europe again and when it comes to playing Wales, quite a few players will have points to prove after missing out on the Lions or not being selected for certain matches in Australia,” Young said.
“A good few will feel they did not get their just desserts and I’d imagine they’ll be highly motivated – especially against the Welsh!
“As for France, who knows with them? They were in transition last season and I don’t think they’ll be as weak as last year. They’ve lost their captain, Thierry Dusautoir, which is a blow, but they’ve got good numbers in the back row and are a threat.”
Six Nations try-scoring has plummeted in recent seasons, from a high of 75 in 2002 to a paltry 37 in 15 matches last year. And Young feels the sides possessing X-factor talent will be best placed to succeed, with Wales carrying most potency in that respect.
He added: “Defences are more on top and the Six Nations has become more of an arm wrestle and a war of attrition. But the players Wales have in their Alex Cuthberts, George Norths and Leigh Halfpennys can win them the really big games.
“It’s a pity for England they’ve lost Christian Wade, Marland Yarde and Manu Tuilagi, because they are X-factor players who can do stuff. That makes it harder for them, while Wales have got recognised players who can do something out of nothing.”
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