Gatland: Croker’s no choker

DESPITE Ireland’s Six Nations clash with Wales being six weeks away, Warren Gatland has already started the mind games by claiming that Croke Park is not as intimidating as everyone seems to believe.

Gatland led Wales to victory at Croke Park in March 2008 on their way to the Grand Slam, but since then Declan Kidney’s side have made their Dublin home a fortress.

World champions South Africa, England and France have all lost there in the last 12 months, while Brian O’Driscoll’s last-gasp try held Australia to a 20-20 draw as Ireland ended 2009 unbeaten.