Wales coach's controversial history with the Irish provides an intriguing backdrop to quarter-final showdown, writes Hugh Farrelly in the Irish Independent.
"Warren Gatland's influence is crucial to the outcome of this contest. Back on home turf, the Hamilton man has been having a very good, very relaxed tournament and he fancies the Irish.
"They are, obviously, a rugby nation he knows well from his time with Galwegians, Connacht and with the national team and Gatland understands the psyche, strengths and weaknesses of the Irish game.
"Gatland's coaching career has been defined by its green hue. Coaching Wasps to beat Munster in '04 was a huge achievement, steering Wales past Ireland in Croke Park in '08 gave them the belief to go on and claim the Grand Slam against France and, going back to the nightmare of Lens in 1999 has surely influenced and girded Gatland for his second World Cup challenge 12 years later."
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