As ever, Gatland’s squad may not feature the most skilful or dexterous players, but you can guarantee they will be one of the fittest squads in the tournament.
As evident in Saturdays win, and in some behind the scenes footage, Gatland is cultivating a team built on effort over skill.
The ability to never give up and work harder than the opposition will be ingrained within them.
It’s obvious that this isn’t a vintage Welsh side blessed with generational talent as they may have had in the past. Gatland must therefore work with the tools at his disposal, and this means a team built on defensive ferocity and intent.
Its clear that Gatland laid out his huge demands right at the beginning of the summer, coincidentally the same time that old timers Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb announced their international retirement. Even for these hardened work horses the demands many have been a little too much.
Not forgetting that Rhys Carre was unceremoniously dropped for ‘failing to meet individual performance targets.’
I mean the picture of a jacked-up Gareth Davies is evidence enough of this fitness intensive approach. Never mind Gatlands comments post England where he said, “too fit for them”.
The backrow selection may further symbolise this fierce approach, with the fitness of Toby Faletau in doubt, the prospect of a Reffell, Morgan and Wainwright back row looks frightening and perfectly suits this never say die approach.
Each of these players has the ability to win multiple turnovers a game and make 20 plus tackles in a game. Again, the double hit on debutant poor Tom Pearson showed what fire this youthful and energetic back row will bring.
Gatland will look to select a side to soak up pressure and grind the opposition down, feed off mistakes and play smart with the ball. It all sounds quite familiar, doesn’t it?
This is the only way Gatland knows and if Saturday is anything to go by it is beginning to bear fruit.
This approach is sure to be replicated going into the World Cup but one win at home against a very disappointing English side has dramatically increased expectations of a Gatland masterclass this campaign.
It remains to be seen whether Wales can pull it off in France, but the route to Welsh success looks a little more obvious with every minute played.
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