WARREN Gatland has given England both barrels in a bullish address ahead of the Six Nations opener at Twickenham.

Jan 24 2008 by Delme Parfitt, South Wales Echo

Speaking at the launch of the 2008 tournament in London, the new national supremo brushed aside the 20-year hoodoo that haunts Wales in south west London, insisting that visiting Twickenham “just doesn’t hold any fears for me”.

He told of how a secret meeting with fellow Kiwis Graham Henry and Steve Hansen before Christmas allowed him access to an All Black dossier on many of England’s top players.

And Gatland also launched a withering attack on English powerbrokers for giving coach Brian Ashton a measly one-year contract, saying the decision could have a direct effect on how their team performs.

“I would say either have the guts to get rid of him or back him and give him a longer deal,” said Gatland.

Sparks fly at Putney Bridge: Pages 58-59