Six Nations 2024: Wales coach Warren Gatland reveals 'love' for Twickenham before England trip
- Published
'We can’t play ‘Warrenball’ at the moment, whatever that is!'
Guinness Six Nations: England v Wales |
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Venue: Twickenham, London Date: Saturday, 10 February Kick-off:16:45 GMT |
Coverage: Watch live on S4C; listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Radio Wales & Radio Cymru; text commentary on BBC Sport website and app. |
Wales head coach Warren Gatland says he has "loved going to" Twickenham and does not find the home of English rugby an intimidating venue.
Wales have lost on their last seven games at Twickenham and it is 12 years since they won there in the Six Nations.
Gatland's early coaching record with Wasps and Wales at England's home is more impressive than recent times.
"The first four times I went there, we won," said Gatland.
"I don't find it intimidating at all!"
The New Zealand masterminded a European Cup and three Premiership final victories with Wasps, in addition to memorable Wales triumphs in the 2008 and 2012 Six Nations tournaments, plus a 2015 World Cup pool win that contributed to hosts England not reaching the knockouts.
Saturday's Six Nations encounter is also England's first appearance at Twickenham since Fiji beat them in a World Cup warm-up last summer when Steve Borthwick's team were booed off.
"It is great when you come in through the gates and everyone is outside and you've got the fans there," said Gatland.
"It is a great stadium to enter.
"I love the atmosphere, and it is even more special if you can walk away with a win. That is not easy to do.
"It is a stadium that I have loved going to. For me, it doesn't hold any trepidation.
"For us, it is about starting well and stopping the crowd singing 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' too early. Silence them a bit - that becomes an important factor."
Wales launched their Six Nations campaign with a 27-26 home defeat by Scotland, although they scored 26 unanswered points and threatened a record tournament fightback.
Gatland has made seven changes from that match, including selecting a new front-row, while centre George North returns from injury for his 50th Six Nations appearance and Ioan Lloyd makes a first Wales start as fly-half.
England were tested by Italy in Rome before securing a 27-24 win in their opener, and Borthwick has named an unchanged starting XV.
"I think it is two teams going through similar transitions in terms of the squad," said Gatland.
"It is a great game, it is the tradition and the history of it.
"From my experience, seeing the players interact afterwards and seeing players on Lions tours, everyone talks about hating the English, but I have always seen just how close the Welsh and English players get on.
"That is something I am looking forward to, the respect I have, too. I had a great four years in London - I loved my time there and coached some great players. I go there looking forward to the challenge."
Warren Gatland has won three games as Wales head coach at Twickenham
North is the only player in Gatland's 23-strong squad to have featured in a successful Wales team at Twickenham, and with 118 caps, he has more than twice as many as any of his team-mates on Saturday.
"I think his 50th game in the Six Nations is a fantastic achievement," said Gatland.
"What he brings to the squad is that experience, calmness and a voice. He communicates really well with the group and is well respected.
"I think he's still got a few more years left in him as well. He has had his ups and downs with injury as well, but he looks in pretty good nick.
"I just hope that (midfield) combination with him and Nick (Tompkins) can flourish like it did in the World Cup."