Gatland: We always win when it matters
WALES do not lose these games — that was the message from head coach Warren Gatland ahead of their Grand Slam bid against Ireland tomorrow. After beating England in Cardiff, Gatland suggested Eddie Jones’s men did not have the mental strength to see out the biggest fixtures. And before what could be an historic third Championship clean sweep, Gatland is confident Wales do have what it takes. He said: ‘I pride myself on the record I’ve had in big matches when it’s really mattered. ‘I even get more of a buzz when people write us off, which has happened on a number of occasions. It’s about building belief and confidence in the players. ‘We’ve trained as hard as any team I’ve seen and if you want something bad enough and you really believe it can happen, then it often does.’ The belief in the Welsh camp comes from the fact they have not lost in 13 Tests. Gatland said: ‘I have not seen a group of players as motivated as this before, wanting to win for themselves and their families and Wales as a whole.’ Gatland has named the same 23 from the 18-11 victory over Scotland two weeks ago, with full-back Liam Williams declared fit despite going off with a shoulder injury at Murrayfield. Ireland have brought in former Scarlet Tadhg Beirne at lock, as well as experienced heads in full-back Rob Kearney and flanker Sean O’Brien.