Prove the doubters wrong!
Gatland’s rallying cry to Wales ahead of the 2018 Six Nations kick-off...
WARREN GATLAND has told his Wales stars to build on their special affinity with the ‘greatest rugby tournament in the world’ and prove the doubters wrong against Scotland.
The Wales boss says there is nothing quite like the magic of the Six Nations and firmly believes his team will rock the rugby world by challenging for the title again.
Wales are ranked at 18-1 for the Championship by some bookmakers, with England and Ireland expected to battle it out for top spot and today’s opponents Scotland rated their biggest challengers.
But Gatland plans to put a grenade through those pre-tournament expectations with an opening-match triumph against the highly-fancied Scots, before the Irish play in France and England begin their campaign against Italy in Rome tomorrow.
During the 10-year Gatland reign, Wales have won two Grand Slams and also lifted the title with that memorable 30-3 Cardiff triumph over England in 2013.
“I look back and the Championship has been very successful for us, we’ve got something like a 75 per cent success rate,” said Gatland
“We’re not as successful against southern hemisphere teams as I’d have liked, but the Six Nations has gone really well.
“We’re excited about 2018. Scotland at home is a great game to have first up and hopefully we’ll get a winning start and go on to a successful tournament.
“As a competition, nothing rivals the Six Nations. It’s not just a rugby game, it’s an event, it’s bragging rights for 12 months. What’s brilliant about it, and what the southern hemisphere can’t replicate, is the amount of away fans.
“That’s what creates the atmosphere in stadiums. That’s special, it’s absolutely brilliant. There’s the history of the tournament as well.”
After meeting the Scots, Wales travel to Twickenham and Dublin, before winding up with further Principality Stadium clashes against Italy and France.
“People are saying it is the hardest draw with England and Ireland away,” said Gatland. “I think it is the easiest draw. I like having the three blue teams at home and just the two away.
“They are tough, but they are games you feel you have a chance on the day of doing well against teams we have had success against in the past.”
Told Wales were outsiders for the title, Gatland replied: “It is a great bet.”