Scots clash vital, says Welsh boss

Wales boss Warren Gatland admits that the opening NatWest 6 Nations clash at home to resurgent Scotland will be pivotal to his side’s chances of success this year.

The Welsh last won the tournament in 2013 and find themselves as low as fourth in the betting with some bookmakers.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Gatland of the Scots’ visit to Cardiff on Saturday week. “People are writing us off, which is nice, and I’m expecting us to do well.

“We’ve got Scotland first which will be a good challenge for us. We’ve got to win that first game.

“It’s a tough competition. Since 2013 we’ve finished second one year, lost out on points difference.

“We’ve been right in the competition since then.

“We’re pleased with how we’ve done. If you look at our win ratio since I’ve beeninvolved,Ithinkwe’ve had a fantastic record, but it’s a tough tournament to win.”

Rhys Patchell and Gareth Anscombe look set to be vying for the Wales flyhalf spot against Scotland, with Dan Biggar ruled out of the first three matches of the tournament with a shoulder problem, while Rhys Priestland is sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Full-back Liam Williams could miss the entire tournament with an abdominal injury.

Scotland’s autumn form has raised expectations of a potential first title since 1999.