My Welsh team are as good as the All Blacks, boasts Gatland

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Kiwi coach has instigated a fantastic revival of the Dragons, who have won their first two matches in the RBS Six Nations against England and Scotland.

World beaters: Warren Gatland is talking his Welsh team up

But he has made six changes to the team that started the 30-15 victory against Scotland for the visit of Italy a week on Saturday. Gatland has jettisoned Mike Phillips and James Hook in favour of Dwayne Peel and Stephen Jones and included prop Gethin Jenkins.

In fact, the coach has named an entirely fresh front row, with Matthew Rees recalled at hooker and tighthead Rhys Thomas poised to make his championship debut.

Mark Jones returns on the right wing. Yet, while Gatland's actions suggest a man still searching for answers, his words indicate that he has already seen enough to be taken aback by the talent at his disposal. The former Ireland and Wasps coach believes the raw ingredients in Wales are as good as anywhere in the world.

He said: 'They are as good as Kiwi players. It's better than the Irish players, better than the English players and as good as New Zealand players.'

WALES L Byrne; M Jones , T Shanklin, G Henson, S Williams; S Jones, D Peel; G Jenkins, M Rees, R Thomas; I Gough, I Evans; J Thomas, R Jones (capt), M Williams. Substitutes: H Bennett, Duncan Jones, Deiniol Jones, G Delve M Phillips, J Hook, S Parker.