Gatland will turn the screw
WARREN GATLAND believes the downward spiral could become dizzying if England lose to Ireland.
The Wales head coach wants his side to turn up the pressure on the Six Nations champions of the past two seasons by pipping them to the runners-up spot behind the Irish.
Eddie Jones has apologised for his slurs against Wales and Ireland at a private function last year, but those two nations will be looking to relegate England to their lowest finishing position since 2010.
Gatland has brought his big guns back for the battle with France in Cardiff, with Dan Biggar winning the vote at No10 among seven changes to the side that beat Italy.
“Eddie makes a few comments and stuff, but it is not offensive to us,” said Gatland. “The pressure for England is about winning on Saturday.
“If they lose against Ireland they could potentially go from a losing streak of two to six games pretty quickly with three Tests coming up in South Africa.
“They have got their own things to sort out, but it will be massive for us to finish second. We’ve felt all along that we could do well in this Six Nations.” Alun Wyn Jones returns as skipper as one of four changes up front, while Scott Williams rejoins Biggar in the back division.
Leigh Halfpenny reclaims the full-back berth, with Liam Williams moving to the wing in place of Steff Evans.