Gatland relishing Twickenham test for Wales

British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland insists his Wales team can draw inspiration from the Twickenham turf when they meet England at Rugby HQ in the World Cup later this year. [more]

Gatland relishing Twickenham test for Wales

British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland insists his Wales team can draw inspiration from the Twickenham turf when they meet England at Rugby HQ in the World Cup later this year.

The sides are set to clash at the home of English rugby in a key Pool A clash on September 26, with the result likely to prove pivotal in the final outcome of the group. 

Both sides boast a number of Lions who prevailed on the triumphant 2013 Tour of Australia, and England’s representatives will be hoping that home advantage can give them a vital extra edge in the fixture.

But Gatland, who led the Lions to that first series win since 1997 with victory in Sydney, is relishing the chance to see Wales down the Red Rose on their own turf.

“I am looking forward to us playing at Twickenham – I don’t think it holds any fears for us,” he told the Telegraph.

“It is a strange situation to be in because ironically sometimes we play teams in the Millennium Stadium – it is the greatest stadium in the world – and often it is a motivational factor for the opposing team.

“You do see that with a lot of teams when they come to Cardiff – they get a real buzz and are really motivated in that stadium.

“So I think it is a real positive for us to play Australia at Twickenham and England there as well.”

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