Speaking at the tournament’s media launch in Dublin, the 60-year-old Kiwi was bullish on Wales chances in the competition, believing his talented new crop of players can make an impression.
Wales kick-off their campaign in just under two weeks on February 3 against Scotland as tournament underdogs by the bookies.
Gatland has named five uncapped players in his squad for the tournament, with 21-year-old Exeter lock Dafydd Jenkins taking over from an injured Jac Morgan as captain.
After losing several players through retirement following the World Cup and injury in the lead-up to this year’s tournament it is no surprise that many have cast aside the 2021 champions chances.
Of the squad that played in France in the autumn, injuries have denied the Kiwi both Cardiff number eight Taulupe Faletau and Osprey hooker Dewi Lake, the likes of Gareth Anscombe, Liam Williams and Louis Rees-Zammit are unavailable due to moves away from Welsh rugby, whilst Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny have retired.
Gatland, however, feels having less expectation can work in his side’s favour.
“We go into the Six Nations with people probably not having too much expectation on us or writing us off, and that is always a nice position to be in, said Gatland.”
“It is often said about Wales that you write us off at your peril because we will work incredibly hard.
“It’s one game at a time, and if we start well against Scotland, we will build confidence and momentum. The thing with Welsh players is they become incredibly tough to beat, and that is what I am pinning my hopes on anyway.”
“What I have looked at with where we are at right now is we have a group of really talented young players and a couple who are injured at the moment in Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, who I think are going to be World-class.
“I see this as a chance to mould some talented youngsters and give them an opportunity to take control of how they want this team to operate in terms of working with the coaches and setting standards. That is what really excites me.
“It is definitely thinking about the future – not just for this cycle and the next World Cup, but the one after.
“We’ve got five new caps and eight who have never played in the Six Nations. They will learn and develop from that experience, but that doesn’t mean we are not taking the competition seriously.
“Our first game against Scotland is incredibly important. It is one game at a time, and the first one is hugely important for us at home.”
“We’ll work hard and be organised for that first game and if you win that, then the confidence and self-belief that comes means you can do well in this tournament”
Gatland has also confirmed his interest in luring former Ireland international forward Rhys Ruddock to be part of the Welsh squad during the campaign.
A 2021 World Rugby integrated loophole which sees players unselected for three years by their nation allows the switch of allegiances. This will shortly allow the 33-year-old son of former coach Mike to be eligible for the country of his birth.
The rule previously allowed Jean Kleyn to represent South Africa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup along with the likes of Tonga’s George Moala, Israel Folau and Vaea Fifita, among others who have represented Samoa.
“We understand that he is available at some stage during the tournament,” continued Gatland.
“Given his age, he is not playing a lot or starting a lot for Leinster. But we know what a quality player he is.
“He made his decision a number of years ago in terms of his allegiance with Ireland, and we respect that, but we have had a couple of conversations about him.
“We have also spoken to his dad as well, and we understand that he is potentially available going forward.”
Ruddock’s availability would ease Gatland’s headache at back-row with Morgan, Faletau, Christ Tshiunza and Taine Plumtree all unavailable for the entire campaign.
[Lead image: Mike Egerton/PA]
