Gatland: We’ll go from green with envy to glory boys
WARREN GATLAND admits Wales have been jealous of Ireland’s success – now he can seal Grand Slam glory against his old side.
After a gritty 18-11 victory over Scotland, Wales are now 13 matches unbeaten and only Ireland stand between them and a first clean sweep since 2012.
Joe Schmidt’s side took the honours last season while Leinster claimed a Guinness PRO14 and Champions Cup double.
Gatland said: “We respect Ireland hugely for what they have achieved. They are No.2 in the world and their provinces have had a lot of success and sometimes it can breed a jealousy.
“You respect them but you are desperate to beat them. That sometimes creates the edge. They have been incredibly successful and we have got to strive for that.
“That creates almost like a derby-type feeling. Our players want to beat them as a lot of them have been on the losing end on a number of occasions.”
Victory for Wales on Saturday would make Gatland the first Six Nations coach to win three Grand Slams and he’s been boosted by a positive injury update on full-back Liam Williams.
Gatland said: “We get the chance to play at home and there won’t be any lack of motivation for these players because they get to do something special.”
He said: “It has taken a while but there was a bit of our rhythm back.
“I don’t think I’ve seen in the last six years a team control 40 minutes like we did in that first half.
“To keep that pressure on for the full 40 minutes really spoke volumes about the intensity and energy we brought to our game.
“It’s always important to do that because we need the points and we need the confidence to get back on the front foot.
“But it becomes a whole different equation in Cardiff next weekend.”
The champions won’t go down without a fight and captain Best has vowed to attack the Welsh.
He said: “We’ve been as frustrated as anyone with some of the stuff from the first three games.
“We just wanted to go out and attack. We’re at our best whenever we attack and we had been playing within ourselves.”