Wales can take another major step forward when they face Ireland in Sunday's Six Nations clash at Lansdowne Road, says Newport Gwent Dragons ace Percy Montgomery.

Though he has a few reservations, Montgomery was impressed with Wales' opening performance against Scotland and believes they can really go for it in Ireland.

"Wales played an expansive game against Scotland and took the ball wide. The continuity between forwards and backs worked quite well and they looked quite dangerous," he said.

"Rhys Williams had a nice game, though there were question marks about the Scottish defence.

"It was a good start for Wales, the kind of game you need leading up to a top match.

Everyone is on a high now and Wales have got a bit of confidence. Everything with Ireland involves their line-out, and Wales must disrupt it and then get in there on their second phase to close their ball down."

Montgomery believes the back three in Wales' defence will be able to cope with everything the Irish throw at them.

"Gareth Thomas will be fine and Rhys Williams roams around a lot so he'll get back and be helpful," he said. "It's not a problem, Gareth is a good player and he knows what it's all about.

"It'll be a tough one out there, but Wales can definitely do it. I've been there a few times and it feels like the spectators are on the field, but that can pull you together and if Wales can do that it will be fantastic for the team."

But Monty still thinks the championship will come down to the final game between France and England.

"England are trying new blood so it will take a while to get continuity. But they're the team to beat and everyone wants a piece of them," he said.

"When South Africa won the World Cup everyone wanted to beat us, so it's going to be a tough challenge for England. They were jittery in the first half against Italy and couldn't get going, but then they put phases together and punished Italy when the class of Jason Robinson came out.

"Wales have got a good chance of being up there, but England against France for the title is being pretty realistic."