Hansen's men played some of the most exciting rugby in World Cup 2003, scoring seven tries against New Zealand and eventual champions England, although they lost both games.

Welsh supporters will demand a similar showing during the RBS 6 Nations tournament, which starts at a sold-out Millennium Stadium this weekend.

"There is a big difference between this year's expectations and previous ones," said Hansen.

"We can justify this year's by looking at our performances in the World Cup, whereas before, we had neither results nor good performances for justification.

"We were beaten in Australia by two of the top teams in the world in England and New Zealand. Our performances would have been good enough to have beaten most other sides.

"Expectations in Wales are high, but they are warranted, and we need to look at that as a good thing not a bad thing.

"We know if we can perform to our highest standards, then eight times out of 10, that's going to be good enough for us to win."