Warren Gatland’s side could not find a way through in the closing minutes in Dublin, as Ireland held on for a 16-16 draw. The Grand Slam and Triple Crown may be beyond Wales this year, but a quartet of tournament wins would put them right back in contention for a fifth title in 11 seasons. The Principality Stadium plays host to Scotland on Saturday, and Charteris is determined to chalk up the first of four successive victories against the wounded Scots.
He said: “We have to win all four [matches]. We saw last year how close this tournament has been over the last few years. Unfortunately, there is no Grand Slam or Triple Crown to go for now, but we have to knuckle down and get four wins from four.
“I saw a bit of the Scotland versus England game, and Scotland looked good. It was a physical game against England – both packs went at it – and they will be a challenge, especially with us having one day less recovery, so we will have to look after ourselves.”
Wales found themselves 13 points down after half-an-hour in Ireland, but battled back into a 16-13 lead with a Taulupe Faletau try, and 11 points from the boot of Rhys Priestland. But a 74th minute penalty from Johnny Sexton levelled the scores. But Charteris is ready to bounce back with victory over Vern Cotter’s men in Cardiff.
He said: “We spoke about getting a strong start, and we didn’t do that. Ireland got on top of us for the first 20 to 30 minutes. Credit to them, they kept the ball well, got across the gain-line a bit too easily, and that made it tough for us.
“Unfortunately, we have had a few slow starts, but we have been around long enough as a team and we back our fitness and back our composure.”
