Warren Gatland has hit out at the RBS 6 Nations fixture scheduling and claimed that Wales and England have consistently been given a difficult opening round tie . The Wales coach claims the draw in Dublin has played into the hands of Ireland over the last decade , with their Celtic rivals being given a favourable round one tie against Italy in seven of the last 14 competitions . ‘ Who is doing it ? ’ said Gatland . ‘ The last 15 years have been very tough on England and Wales in terms of the draw we have both received . Who is making that draw ? Wales coaches Robert Howley and Warren Gatland chat at training ahead of Saturday 's match against Italy . Wales scrum half Gareth Davies and wing George North share a joke during the Wales open session . 'You look at one team who has had a pretty easy run in the last 10 or 15 years and for the next two or three years . Whether that is the broadcasters having an influence , I do n't know . ‘ It ’ s a tough tournament to win : win your first game and you get a bit of momentum and put yourself in contention . I don ’ t know if there should be a rota : I do n't make the draw . I have just looked at the last 10 or 15 years and seen who has played who first in the competition . Some teams have obviously had easier starts on a regular basis than others. ’ Wales front row Rob Evans in action ahead of his first start in the RBS Six Nations match against Italy . A Six Nations spokesperson claimed the draw is made by an impartial vote , saying : ‘ The fixtures are decided after discussions with the unions , the Six Nations office and the broadcasters . 'The schedule is then voted on by the Six Nations council , which has two representatives from each union . Each union has a chance to make their thoughts known and then it comes down to a majority vote . The last vote was unanimous. ’ VIDEO Wales dash Ireland 's Grand Slam hopes . Wales scrum half Mike Phillips in action during ahead of Saturday 's RBS Six Nations match against Italy .
Rob Evans has hit out at the RBS 6 Nations fixture scheduling . Gatland claims England and Wales always get the hardest opening ties . Ireland have faced Italy in round one in seven of the last 14 competitions . A Six Nations spokesperson claimed the draw is made by an impartial vote .