THE Welsh rugby public could see the best of scrum half ace Dwayne Peel today when Wales aim to get their faltering Six Nations campaign back on track against Italy at the Millennium Stadium.

The whole Welsh nation is still reeling from a whole series of events on and off the field over the past fortnight, and only in the past few days there has been an unwarranted attack on stand-in skipper Michael Owen.

There is nothing better than silencing your critics than a comprehensive victory, and if Wales hit the right notes today and the fans really get behind the team on their return to the stadium then Six Nations respectability is still a possibility.

Peel can lead the way, for he is comfortably the best scrum half in the Northern Hemisphere and he starred for the British Lions in New Zealand last summer.

His tap and go from quick penalties makes him a major weapon, and the Italians could be hard pressed to hold him.

"Dwayne is a quality player who had had a big impact, and maybe we'll see the best of him," said caretaker coach Scott Johnson after his side had produced a clean bill of health at yesterday's final run-out.

Wing Mark Jones, originally thought to be doubtful after damaging ribs playing for Llanelli Scarlets in last week's Powergen Cup semi-final victory over Bath, dispelled any lingering concerns while outside half Stephen Jones also gave Johnson and Wales the thumbs-up.

"Mark has taken a full part in training and is pretty good, he's not in any pain while Stephen is fine, I'm happy where they are," said Johnson.

As for the criticism the Welsh team and individuals have received, Johnson said "I don't care about it, I just live my life. You turn up and you give it your best shot. As long as you represent your country well that's what counts.

"Italy may be coming at us, but they should be aware we'll be going at them, too. They're the great improvers in the tournament which is good for world rugby and their coach (Pierre Berbizier) has clearly made an imprint."

It's Johnson's first game in charge at the Millennium Stadium.

"I've been thrown into this, there's no time for any congratulation," he said. And for the umpteenth time, he refused to comment about his future.

But it is a question which will have to be answered in little over a week, with the betting firmly on his return to Australia, due to family reasons.