GATLAND WANTS NO FEAR

ANDREW BALDOCK

BY

WARREN GATLAND has urged his Wales side to show no fear when they tackle “world-class” Six Nations holders Ireland in Dublin today.

Wales have been largely written off on the back of successive defeats against Scotland and England, while their last Six Nations win in Ireland was 12 years ago.

Ireland have lost just twice in their last 40 home Tests and need one more victory to equal England’s Six Nations record of 11 successive wins.

“We know how good a side they are,” Wales head coach Gatland (above) said. “They are a settled team. They are world-class.

“We have got to be smart and not allow them to play the game on their terms. That is when they are incredibly dangerous.

“Just one moment from them can change the momentum of the game.

“They have got some key individuals but we’ve got to try and put them under pressure to unsettle them. There has been a lot said about us being underdogs but that is not a motivation for us.

“The motivation is the pressure we are putting on ourselves to get better from game one and two.”

Gatland has made a solitary change from the England loss, with fit-again Sam Costelow returning at fly-half instead of Ioan Lloyd.

There are further opportunities for newcomers Cameron Winnett and Alex Mann, while Cardiff back-row forward Mackenzie Martin is set for his Test debut off the bench.

“We have spoken all week about having no fear,’ Gatland added.

“It is going to be a huge challenge for us but you have got to embrace that, you have got to be excited about that.

“I have spoken to the players about stepping up in big moments... not going into your shell.

“When you put that jersey on, everyone expects you to go out there to perform and win.”