Mischievous Warren Gatland reopens Millennium roof mind games with Ireland

Warren Gatland rarely fails to take an opportunity to rile Ireland and even before a so-called warm-up game — and the mischievous side in him could still play a trick or two on Wales’ rivals.

The Wales coach revealed he has already held private talks with Irish counterpart Joe Schmidt ahead of Saturday’s international in Cardiff.

The two Kiwi coaches were keen to get a steer from each other on how the other was treating the opening game of their warm-up schedule, building towards the World Cup. After all, it makes sense. A mismatch between a second-string and first-choice opposition would do little for either side.