But with four months’ preparation time, Gatland is confident that he will be able to address Wales’ recent failings and have them firing on all cylinders come the start of their World Cup campaign against defending champions South Africa.

He said: “Some reports have said that I’m a very conservative coach, which is never something people labelled me when I was in Ireland or at Wasps.

“I’m the total opposite of that. I take risks, I do things differently and I try to be innovative. Hopefully in the World Cup people will see that side of me.

“We have been given four months together before the World Cup, so this gives us a chance to go over everything in detail – the way we want to play, inventive moves and so on.

“A number of issues were raised during the Six Nations for us and over the coming months we have an opportunity to address them together.”

Gatland was also at pains to point out that the coaching staff comprising defence coach Shaun Edwards, attack coach Rob Howley, forwards coach Robin McBryde and kicking coach Neil Jenkins were united as ever, even if there are disagreements over team selection.
 

He added: “As a coaching group we get on pretty well and enjoy each other’s company.

“There’s a lot of discussion and debate and we’re prepared to challenge each other.

“We very much discuss selection and the way we want the game to be played.

“While I have the final say, conversations are between the five of us.

“We might disagree on certain positions but once a decision is made we’re each behind it 100 per cent.

“We give opinions and everyone is included; it’s not a dictatorship.”