Wales head coach Warren Gatland's experience is paying off right now as the 55-year-old had his side primed for the Six Nations and now undefeated in this year's tournament.
Across his varied career, he has coached in Ireland, England with the Wasps, New Zealand and now Wales. In an interview with the brilliant analysis YouTube Channel 1014 rugby, Gatland opened up on the differences in dealing with players.
The Irish players are the most vocal out of all the players. They ask the most questions, they challenge the most. People ask 'why is that?'. Well, traditionally in Ireland a lot of the players have come through private schooling so they are pretty well educated and culturally, from that perspective, they are great to deal with.
Their understanding of the game is excellent and they will challenge you, as I say.
Warren Gatland went on to explain that Welsh players were different: "The Welsh players are not anywhere near as vocal. They are 'doers'. You look at how that reflects on society. A lot of the Welsh contribute to the armed forces in the UK because they're doers and they are good at taking instruction and following orders."
That's what I say about the Welsh players, they will run through a brick wall if you ask them. They will work their butts off. They don't mind working hard and they don't question or challenge stuff." The English players can bring a self-belief and confidence because of where they have come from and history and tradition as well.
It's an interesting point in terms of culture. There are differences in terms of rugby as well, with the club game dominated by the international scene. Speaking to Balls.ie's rugby podcast, World in Union, Portlaoise man Alan Kingsley explained that now more than ever focus is fixed on Welsh team: "It is all on the international game now instead of the Pro14."
