Wales hunt Gatlands record Grand Slam

EDINBURUGH: Wales coach Warren Gatland has urged his players to seize the "dream" opportunity of clinching a Grand Slam at home to Ireland in Cardiff next Saturday.

Gatland himself stands to secure a place in history in his final Six Nations match as Wales coach after his side showed what he hailed as "great character" for overcoming a week of political turmoil in Welsh rugby to beat a spirited Scotland team 18-11 at Murrayfield.

The New Zealander will become the first coach to achieve a hat-trick of Grand Slams if his squad - most of whom were affected by the on-off proposed merger between the Ospreys and the Scarlets - can extend their record winning run to 14 matches with a victory against the reigning champions at Principality Stadium.

Wales last defeat dates back to 24 February last year, when they were beaten 37-27 by an Ireland side that went on to complete a Grand Slam.

The former Ireland coach praised his players for the resilience they showed at the end of their difficult week and for a superb second-half defensive effort helping them to protect most of the advantage they gained through first-half tries from winger Josh Adams and centre Jonathan Davies.