Phillips hails Wales improvement

Mike Phillips believes Wales have "raised the bar" from last season as they prepare for stage two of their latest RBS 6 Nations title and Grand Slam missions.

The reigning Six Nations champions made a flying start last weekend, scoring four tries in recording only a third victory over Scotland at Murrayfield since 1985.

England are next up in Cardiff on Saturday, with Wales seeking a hat-trick of Six Nations wins against them for the first time. Phillips said: "We've got to be confident after the way we won on Sunday."

Phillips and company have been installed as 2/9 favourites - England are 3/1 - which confirms the apparent gulf in class between two of rugby union's fiercest international rivals.

But Phillips is still wary of Martin Johnson's side, he added: "England will be a tough match.

"It is the biggest game on the calendar and they will be up for it. But we've got enough firepower to win - we want to be on their case all the time.

"It will be a nice tag to have, going in against them as favourites.

"It will be a tough first 20 minutes against them but if we come out like we did against Scotland it will be great.

"We hit the field running and all the boys were oozing confidence throughout because they know they've got the talent coming off the bench as well.

"We prepared for it superbly and in training the work-rate has been there. We have raised the bar a lot from last season and it's 10 to 15% more professional again this time."