Speaking at the official launch of the 2024 Championship in Dublin, the Wales head coach said: “This is my 17th involvement in the Six Nations, so I’ve been around for a while. We’ve seen in the past how this tournament is all about momentum,” said Gatland.
“It’s a great first game for us at home to Scotland. If we win that then we can go without fear to Twickenham, with England in a similar position to us by making changes.
“The third game is against Ireland in Dublin with potentially a Triple Crown to play for and everything up for grabs. “The third game is against Ireland in Dublin with potentially a Triple Crown to play for and everything up for grabs.
Wales will be led by Exeter Chiefs second row Dafydd Jenkins, who at 21 will become the youngest Welsh skipper since Gareth Edwards in 1968 and will kick-off against the Scots in front of a capacity crowd at Principality Stadium on Saturday, 3 February.
Gatland has called-up five uncapped players into his 34-strong squad but will be without World Cup co-captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, who are both injured. He also lost Louis Rees-Zammit to American Football last week.
Even so, the three-time Grand Slam winning coach is looking forward to building on a quarter final slot at the World Cup earlier in the season.
“It has always been the case with Wales that you write us off at your peril. Do that and you could get caught with your pants down,” added Gatland.
“We’ll work hard and be organised for that first game and if you win that, then the confidence and self-belief that comes means you can do well in this tournament.”
