Warren Gatland has revealed there have been altercations in training as the Welsh pack battle for World Cup places.

Members of the Wales squad were involved in fights during training this week as the battle for World Cup places boiled over.

Coach Warren Gatland revealed the incredible edge that has been present in the build-up to Saturday’s sell-out clash with Ireland, admitting members of his pack have become embroiled in physical altercations.

Gatland is delighted with the way his team are preparing for next month’s World Cup and has relished watching his players give everything they have to ensure they make his final cut at the end of this month.

“The forwards had a pretty tasty session this morning where they really racked it up,” he said.

“They are pretty aware that this is Test week and what that means. There were a couple of little fights and niggles at training with the forwards and you expect that. When they are holding and grabbing each other you can tell there is a little bit of tension in the air.

“They are pretty aware of how important Saturday is and how important the occasion is and the opportunity open to them.”

Gatland revealed the effort the whole squad have put in during the gruelling training camps in Switzerland and Qatar has been a level above the heights they scaled in 2011 when they were widely regarded as the fittest team in the competition.

“We pushed them right to the limit and they responded magnificently,” he said.

“We know how hard we trained in preparation for 2011 and this has definitely been a step up. The players have responded incredibly well and I just think it shows how much they want to make the World Cup squad and be a part of it.

“It’s tough on us as coaches and selectors having to let some players down when we make that final cut.

“Look, I couldn’t ask anymore in terms of what the players have contributed so far. There’s a big game on Saturday and hopefully they can get us off on the right foot.”

After taking on the Irish at the Millennium, Wales face them again at the Aviva Stadium in three weeks, with a final warm-up match against Italy in Cardiff on September 5.

The way the squad is managed over those three games is a trial run for what they will have to cope with at the World Cup, where they are grouped with England, Australia, Fiji and Uruguay.

“We have been planning this for a long while now,” said Gatland.

“When you look at the World Cup, I think one of our toughest games is going to be the third one against Fiji, with just a five day turnaround from the England match.

“Fiji have just won the Pacific Nations Cup. They have beaten Samoa 39-29 in the final and they are a tough side to beat. For us, it’s how we manage the squad, We are not going to be able to pick the same team three games in a row with a six day and five day turnaround.

“We have got to make sure we keep a group of players as fresh as we possibly can for the third game. That’s crucial.”

walesonline