Warren Gatland has compared Saturday ’ s tie between Wales and Ireland to a sibling rivalry but insists there is no ‘ bad blood ’ between the Celtic neighbours . During his early years as national coach , Gatland said his squad ‘ dislike the Irish players the most ’ - remarks that he later described as a ‘ backhanded compliment ’ - because of the competition between the Welsh regions and Irish provinces . But the Kiwi on Tuesday played down any animosity ahead of the RBS 6 Nations tie , insisting his players are no longer hung up on Leinster and Munster ’ s dominance in European competition . Wales captain Sam Warburton prepares to become his country 's most-capped captain against Ireland . Warren Gatland says there is no longer bad blood between Celtic Six Nations rivals , more a sibling rivalry . ‘ Some of our players had been used to being regularly dominated by the Irish provinces , ’ said Gatland . ‘ But it has been pretty even over recent years and there are no hard feelings or bad blood between the two teams , just a very strong rivalry when you know each other so well and play each other so often . ‘ It ’ s like playing against your big brother in the back yard . You want to beat him as often as you can and Saturday will be no different . Last weekend was the first time since 2010 that all four Welsh regions won against Irish provinces . It was a big boost for us and for the players ; they came in this week with a spring in their step. ’ Warburton leads his side into a must win encounter that could keep their Six Nations hopes alive . Wales centre Jonathan Davies will be part of an unchanged starting XV to the one that beat France . A win for Wales would keep alive Gatland ’ s championship ambitions , and derail Irish hopes of a Grand Slam . Wales have kept faith in the starting XV who beat France , confirming that Sam Warburton is fit to become his country ’ s most capped captain . Ireland name their team on Wednesday and fly-half Jonathan Sexton is expected to be fit after a hamstring injury . Backs : L Halfpenny ; G North , J Davies , J Roberts , L Williams ; D Biggar , R Webb ; . Forwards : G Jenkins , S Baldwin , S Lee , L Charteris , A-W Jones , D Lydiate , T Faletau , S Warburton ( capt ) . Subs : R Hibbard , R Evans , A Jarvis , J Ball , J Tipuric , M Phillips , R Priestland , S Williams . Ireland to name side on Wednesday .
Warren Gatland once said his squad ‘ dislike the Irish players the most ’ But explained that was when Irish sides dominated club competitions . New Zealand coach Gatland said rivalry is now more like siblings . Wales host Ireland in Wales on Saturday in Cardiff .