EXPECT Wales to cause a surprise in the Six Nations Championship this season - and there is no reason why they can't get off to a flyer by ending their 20-year hoodoo against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

That is the optimistic forecast of scrum half Mike Phillips who has had to live in the shadow of Dwayne Peel for Wales and Justin Marshall for the Ospreys, but would still be the first choice for Twickenham in the eyes of many because of his aggressive approach.

Phillips insists Wales' World Cup woe is now well and truly behind them and with a new coaching trio at the helm in Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley he believes they can make history at Twickenham.

"Hopefully the new management can put things right and I think we'll do really well in the Six Nations, we're going to surprise a lot of people," Phillips predicted.

"A lot of players gained vital experience in the World Cup.

"We played some good rugby there, but it needs some tweaking so that hopefully we'll get the win on Saturday.

"We'll have a big week in training before the game and then get off to a good start. The August game against them (Wales were trounced by a record 62-5) has gone now.

"A lot of the boys weren't playing, so it's history and we're focusing on this one.

"The English forwards were outstanding against us the last time we played there, it's going to be tough but we've got to step it up.

"We've got the personnel and the cutting attributes to do it and it would be great if we could manage it."

Phillips was only six when Wales last won at Twickenham in 1988, but he was a spectator when they last triumphed in London - the Wembley game in 1999 when Scott Gibbs got that memorable last-gasp try to snatch the trophy from under the noses of England.

But that was a home' game for Wales, Wembley their temporary base while the Millennium Stadium was being built.

"I went to Wembley to see that one, it was a great day," recalled Phillips. "It would be great to be a part of history again and I don't see any reason whey we can't win on Saturday.

"With our new management team we have stepped up a gear. Warren and Shaun are both switched on and focussed.

"They have brought a high intensity, there will be no room for slacking and hopefully we'll keep on progressing now. And I got on well with Rob Howley when we were at the Blues, he's a top guy.

"Justin Marshall has made the odd little comments to me and passed on some advice. But it would be nice if I could get more game time and if I do I've got to take the opportunity."