Wales head coach Warren Gatland claims his players dislike Ireland more than any other Six Nations team.

Patently, Gatland, who enjoys winding up opponents, has temporarily forgotten the unique feelings the Welsh have for the English as he prepares his team for the Championship decider against the Grand Slam hopefuls.

Gatland is also motivated by the lingering anger he feels at having been axed by the Irish in 2001 after three years in charge.

Ireland are attempting a first Slam since 1948 and ahead of Saturday's clash at the Millennium Stadium, Gatland said: "Probably, out of all the teams in the Six Nations, the Welsh players dislike the Irish the most. Players' experiences against Ireland haven't always been the greatest, so they are very motivated to play against them."

Gatland has made eight changes from the line-up that fumbled their way to a 20-15 win against Italy last week with captain Ryan Jones (right) among those back in the fold as Wales target a first successful championship title defence for 30 years. To do that, Wales must win by at least 13 points while any victory would secure a third Triple Crown in five seasons.

Gatland added: "It's about winning the game first, win the Triple Crown, deny them the Grand Slam and then see what position we are in.

"When there has been that expectation either to perform in the Six Nations or World Cups, they've sometimes faltered."