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Gatland and Warburton: Scotland present a tough challenge

Gatland and Warburton: Scotland present a tough challenge

Wales coach Warren Gatland and captain Sam Warburton both emphasised that Scotland will present a tough challenge this Saturday.

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Wales have named an unchanged starting line-up from that which drew 16-16 in Ireland last Sunday for their first game at Principality Stadium.

Previewing their first home fixture of the 2016 tournament, Gatland stressed that he expects a tough challenge from the visiting Scots.
 
“We’ve had some close encounters and you cannot rest on your laurels.
“They look like a tough team to beat at the moment and there seems to be a lot of confidence coming out of their camp.

“Even though they lost last week I don’t think that will dent their confidence and enthusiasm – they are a settled team and a good one.”
 
Dan Biggar has recovered from an injury that saw him substituted last weekend to start once again, allowing the fly-half to start once again.

Gatland stressed the positive qualities Biggar brings and how experience has improved him further across recent years.
 
“He has developed really well in terms of being a ten with his understanding and the variations he brings to deciding how we play.

“He is important to us and has really developed in him across the last few years and he speaks with a lot of confidence.”
 
Captain Warbuton says the fast recovery is a credit to Biggar, and that the fly-half is now back to his best.
 
“He was back to his usual self on the training field today and it’s great to see that he has made such a great recovery.

“He deserves a lot of credit for the work he has put in on his recovery because he is such a diligent professional.”
 
The Scotland match is the first of three home fixtures for Wales across this Six Nations campaign, as France and Italy also come to Cardiff.

This Saturday’s game will also see centre Jonathan Davies make his 50th cap, naturally delighting his coach.
 
“This is a great achievement for him – that midfield partnership between him and Jamie Roberts has been great for us across a number of years – hopefully he has got another 50 caps in him.

“I thought he showed a couple of nice touches and kick through last week that put Ireland under a bit off pressure.

“Having that left foot is a good option for us and it’s a great reward for him in reaching that milestone.”
 

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