WE’VE GAT WHAT IT TAKES TO BEAT THE IRISH

WARREN GATLAND insists Wales can upset both Ireland and England and win the Six Nations.

The New Zealander believes his team can carry off their first title since 2013 despite the hammer blow of losing Bath No.8 Taulupe Faletau to a broken arm. Gatland (left) named his 39-man squad for the 2019 tournament yesterday and included Wasps flanker Thomas Young for the first time.

Wales open the Six Nations against France on February 1.

“You can’t deny what Ireland have done and achieved. There’s a lot of positivity and confidence in Ireland. Leinster and Munster are doing well, particularly in Europe,” Gatland said.

“Our teams haven’t been so good which is a little bit disappointing but we’ve got a great chance of winning the Six Nations if we win that opening game. That first game is going to be our toughest, but if we can get a win then I think we’ll have a good tournament and the whole thing about Six Nations is momentum.

“We feel like we’re in as good a position as anybody to do well.”

Wales have won their last nine matches and are ranked third in the world so Gatland is confident his team can keep their unbeaten run going ahead of next year’s World Cup.

He added: “This is competition time. The autumn was great, but it wasn’t about points.

“Now it’s about fronting up and winning games.”