Thursday Round-Up
- 1772
Thursday Round-Up
Gatland - 'Frustration can inspire us'
Warren Gatland has said frustration can inspire Wales to a 3rd consecutive post World Cup Grand Slam.
Wales completed the Grand Slam in 2008 and in 2012, both after World Cup disappointments.
"We were disappointed not getting to the final in 2011," he said.
"We feel a little bit the same this time around.
"There's a little bit of frustration as we felt we could have gone a bit further in the World Cup, although we were proud of what we achieved given the number of injuries we had."
The Wales boss spoke confidently about his sides chances but also was not prepared to write off the Irish
"We're in pretty good shape," added Gatland.
"There's a few new coaches this year and the familiarly will help us put things together quickly.
"Our time together at the World Cup is invaluable preparation and potentially a slight advantage.
"It is massive that we're going away to Dublin first and if we can win that first game, the next game at home against Scotland is six days later.
"Momentum is huge in this competition."
Sexton given all clear
Joe Schmidt has confirmed that Jonathan Sexton has been given the all clear to play in Ireland's 6 Nations opener vs Wales.
Sexton picked up a knock to the head in Leinster's 51-10 defeat away to Wasps, but should be good to go in 11 days time.
"Johnny trained really well yesterday [Tuesday], he's fully fit and ready to go, he's passed his three," said Schmidt, speaking at the Six Nations launch in London on Wednesday.
"So that's the protocol," he added, with Ireland looking to win their third successive Six Nations title.
"It was this time last year that the problem really arose and he had the break.
"Since that time he hasn't really had too many problems.
"So as far as we're concerned and as far as Johnny's concerned he's very keen to be ready to go in 11 days' time," the New Zealander added.
