Gatland’s troops have set themselves up to repeat the trick this weekend, all they need is a win against France, that just five months after they reached the World Cup semi-finals in New Zealand.

Jenkins, who also won the Grand Slam with Wales in 2005, insists all of the above has made Gatland a strong, if not main contender, to take charge of the Lions during the tour to Australia in little over 15 months’ time.

However he knows there are more pressing matters at hand, namely the clash at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, with Jenkins set to ignore the hype and expectation.

“He is a great coach and he got the credentials for it [the Lions job],” said Jenkins – who was part of the 2009 tour to South Africa where Gatland was part of Sir Ian McGeechan’s coaching team.

“He did a great job on the last tour. It was pretty old school on the last tour. We had some good enjoyment, but it was very serious at the same time.

“And there is a real strong group of people behind Warren – the set-up is really good and he has got everything in place.

“He gives the players confidence to go out there and perform, and he is also a very good man-manager.

“I wouldn't say there are many players he doesn't get on with at all, and he is always around in the environment speaking to players.

“He doesn't hide from things. If something needs to be said, he will say it, and I think the players know that.

“There is massive expectation on us this week. It has been a tough campaign, but everything we’ve put in leads up to winning this game on Saturday.

“The training is not going to be much different, it will be intense and geared to Saturday. The main thing is blocking out anything in the exterior.

“It is going to be talked up all week, everyone knows that. It’s a big chance for us to make history, and we are really looking forward to it.”