SHOWDOWN

Newport Gwent Dragons scrum-half Cooper provides proof of the enviable riches currently available to Wales coach Mike Ruddock as he prepares for a major assault on Six Nations title glory.

It is 11 years since Wales won European rugby's showpiece international competition - the Five Nations Championship, as it was then - and they've endured some miserable times since on playing fields from Rome to Dublin and Paris to Twickenham.

The Dragon though, is stirring, with optimism prevailing among Welsh supporters following a thrilling autumn Test series which saw their heroes push southern hemisphere heavyweights New Zealand and South Africa to the wire.

And the biggest single cause for such excitement is a back division which can hold its own in any company. Wales are simply oozing talent behind the scrum, where full-back Gareth Thomas, wing Shane Williams, centre Gavin Henson, Cooper and his fellow number nine Dwayne Peel are all major candidates to join the Lions when they leave London on May 25.

On current form, former Bath star Cooper would possibly hold down the scrum-half position in any other Six Nations team.

But the presence of Peel, who produced magnificent displays against the All Blacks and Springboks in November, means he is currently kicking his heels, waiting for a chance.

"All I can do is worry about my own game, really," said Cooper.

"Dwayne has played exceptionally well, and I must concentrate on myself and do my best when the chance arises. There is so much competition for places.

"I'm not saying, before, that people haven't wanted to play for Wales, but people are desperate in this squad to get on that field. The competition for places means that it is not easy."

Ruddock, who has only been in the Wales job for eight months, is creating an environment whereby squad personnel constantly push each other during a pursuit of excellence.

While the jury is still out on whether or not Wales possess a pack capable of competing with the English, French and Irish eights, there are no issues from nine to 15.

Given a reasonable supply of possession, Wales will fancy their chances against any opponents, starting with world champions England at the Millennium Stadium on February 5.

Pressure though, is mounting for them to claim a major scalp, especially following those narrow losses during the autumn.

Agonising defeats have become a slightly worrying trend during - and since - World Cup 2003.

"It is a little bit frustrating that we played so well, not just in those two autumn games (New Zealand and South Africa), but in the World Cup as well," added Cooper.

"There was also the England game at Twickenham in last season's Six Nations, but I think we need to improve a little bit more.

"It's about taking an extra step in those tight games to be able to beat these sides.

"I don't think it is a belief thing, because all the boys believe in each other, it's just the fact that we need to improve that little bit extra.

"I know it is only one or two points, but that is the difference between being a great team and a good team." One of the most significant reasons for Wales' resurgence can be put down to sky-high fitness levels.

It wasn't too long ago that people inside and outside the Principality questioned whether Welsh players had basic fitness requirements needed to compete at the highest level.

But they showed during the autumn just how much progress has been made in that area under the watchful eye of fitness expert Andrew Hore.

"I think our fitness levels are starting to show on the field," said Cooper.

"We came back strongly in the last 10 minutes against South Africa and New Zealand during the autumn, so I don't think our fitness levels are a problem."