Wales ready for a step-up this season

To do this, Hallett??s side need to at least match their fourth-placed effort of last season as the process sees the top two 6 Nations teams, based on 2012 and 2013 results (but excluding France and England) go through.

At the moment those two sides are Ireland and Wales but that could change depending on performances this season.

Wales beat Spain in a warm-up game last weekend and Hallett says that there??s been as much work done off the pitch as there has been on it.

??A lot of work has gone in to developing our culture, conditioning and technical and tactical ability and understanding. ?˜The biggest advance is probably off the pitch with our culture and accountability. Sam Dodge, our Conditioning Coach in conjunction with the WRU, ?˜has been massively valuable and influential in this area by setting up satellite training hubs, the benefits of these were seen against Spain where we were under the cosh and had to put in a big defensive effort at the end of the second half; and the girls were in position and were able to hold them out. Our squad culture is great - it's the foundation of any strong team. We've got it right, and the squad is developing a great bond."

Wales have the benefit of beginning their 6 Nations campaign this season at home though against a side that gave them a comfortable beating last year ?? Ireland.

??An absolute minimum for us this season is to secure World Cup qualification, we know what we have to do and it will be a driving force during this campaign. Realistically we are looking for three wins and two very good performances this year.?˜ Personally though I want to win every game and I??m sure every player feels the same going into every game. ?˜It's a mind-set that I think we can strive for.??

Like all of the other sides in the 6 Nations, Wales will benefit from the inclusion of many of their players in various Sevens squads over the past year, Hallett believes.

??Last season we had an international 7s and a Development 7s in the form of the Akuma Dragons and both provided exposure for a large amount of our girls, most of which are involved in this XV squad. They spent the summer months developing skills and fitness which will be invaluable to this 6 Nations campaign. It's also been a great way of establishing and integrating new players and went a long way in developing the culture and team dynamics we have now.??

Hallett also believes that there are a number of new faces to watch out for this season picking out the the likes of Cardiff Blues Rafiuke Taylor, Bethan Howells, who led the Ospreys to victory, Catrina Nicholas in the back-row and winger Charlie Murray who is finding her stride out wide.There are plenty of leaders too to steady the ship she adds.

??The squad is again captained by Rachel 'Tails' Taylor, and myself and Elen Evans support her as vice-captains, but there are leaders throughout the squad. We have our forward leaders in Catrina Nicholas and Lowri Harries who take care of the lineouts and scrums respectively. Elinor Snowsill is showing her authority and leadership in the backline and is developing a good partnership with Laura Prosser, who's not shy in demanding exactly what she expects from the forward! ?˜Shona Powell- Hughes leads and sets the example in our physicality along with Rebecca de Fillipo who stepped up and put in some great hits against Spain. It's an interesting time for us.??