Six Nations 2023: Back to the future for Wales as Warren Gatland returns

‘Easiest decision’

Gatland is guaranteed a rapturous welcome when the team coach winds its way through the red and white throngs along Westgate Street to this weekend’s match.

“The way I was treated here by the Welsh public was unbelievable so it was the easiest decision for me to come back,” said Gatland.

“They are knowledgeable, passionate and opinionated and I love that.

“We’ve got a lot to do to get some real support from the Welsh public and we’ll go a long way to doing that by giving them a really strong performance and making the fans proud.

“There’s lot of pressure, expectation and scrutiny but the emotion is all about the buzz of playing in an incredible stadium with a passionate crowd and the intensity required. When you win, that’s where you get the real kick.”

Wales became more accustomed to jeers last year at their ground, where they lost for the first time to Italy and Georgia.

Roger Lewis was the man who first brought Gatland to Wales after firing Gareth Jenkins in the wake of the early 2007 World Cup exit, and may have had a hand behind the scenes in his return.

“Warren has a huge affinity to Welsh rugby and was willing to put his neck on the line again in our hour of need,” he said.

“The arbiter of success is winning, but there’s already a smell of success in the air when you listen to what players, former players, pundits and the public are saying.

“He’s already brought back a spring in our step and now we’re actually looking forward to facing Ireland.”

Gatland joked after that shock initial win at Twickenham that he was a lucky so-and-so.

If Wales topple the world’s number-one ranked team this weekend, it will be no fluke.