GAT’S DRAGONS READY TO RAIN FIRE ON ROOKIE HASTINGS

WARREN GATLAND wants his players to turn up the heat on Scotland’s rookie Adam Hastings when he makes his debut against Wales tomorrow.

While the young Glasgow Warriors outside-half (far right) will be hoping to turn back the family clocks 28 years and follow in the footsteps of his illustrious dad Gavin in winning in the Welsh capital, Gatland is planning to make life tough. Gatland (below) said: “Adam Hastings has had international experience at No.10, but there will be pressure on him to play in Cardiff. We have to make sure we put as much pressure on him as we can.

“He is a quality player with a good pedigree. I’m sure he has had plenty of advice about handling the pressure. “But if a player is playing at the next level up in terms of physicality and intensity, we need to bring that to make it difficult for him. It will be a tough, physical encounter.”

The Wales head coach has given Gareth Anscombe first shot at the No.10 shirt with Dan Biggar unavailable and Rhys Patchell still ruled out with a head knock.

He has also given sevens specialist Luke Morgan a first cap on the wing after just eight games of professional rugby with the Ospreys.

Gatland added: “We have to bring the right sort of physicality for a Test match against a Tier One nation. Hearing the stuff that’s coming out of their camp, they are talking about the fact that they got their preparation wrong the last time we met.

“It wasn’t about a good Wales performance, it was about how poorly they had prepared.

“So that kind of puts things in perspective for us to make sure we are mentally on our game.

“It will be a proper Test on Saturday, I can guarantee that. We are not going out there to play festival rugby – we want to play attractive rugby, but smart and winning rugby.”