Wales have recovered from their World Cup injury blitz and enter the Six Nations with the competition's most settled squad.
Warren Gatland's men were part of the final day title hunt last year before losing out on points difference at the end of an afternoon that saw Ireland crowned champions.
Wales' World Cup was blighted by a spate of injuries before South Africa knocked them out in the quarter-finals but Wales have been bolstered by the return of those players.
Head coach: Warren Gatland
Captain: Sam Warburton
Last year: 3rd
Strengths: Wales have an a excellent kicker and a dynamic back row. Sam Warburton is a terrier at the breakdown and will win penalties for Wales in this area. When he does, Dan Biggar's accuracy from the tee will keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Weaknesses: In last year's Six Nations, Wales were second-best to England in points scored and second-best to Ireland for points conceded. But in the World Cup they failed to score tries at crucial times. The Welsh are mean in defence but need to be more menacing in attack if they are to push for the title this year.
Who we will love: Dan Biggar. His stock rose during the World Cup and has been boosted further by notable performances at fly-half for the Ospreys in the Champions Cup and PRO12. His unusual pre-kick antics has entertained casual rugby fans but his game management has impressed the purists.
Who will split opinion: Alex Cuthbert has drawn criticism in recent months while the impressive Tom James has stirred debate in Wales as to who should start on the opposite wing to George North. Cuthbert is a British and Irish Lion who has recently suffered a drop in form. But he is capable of changing that.
MVP: Alun Wyn Jones was one of the players of the tournament in last year's World Cup. His performances were rewarded with a Player of the Year nomination from World Rugby. The Ospreys captain will be integral to Wales up front.
The big debate: The No 6 jersey. Dan Lydiate is one of the hardest-working players in rugby. However, in the past he has been dropped at the expense of Warren Gatland's desire to employ two fetchers in his team - Warburton and Justin Tipuric. The big debate is whether Wales plug for this option or pick a specialist in each position in the back row.