James Hook knows just how quickly Warren Gatland can work his magic in Wales - but still expects formidable Ireland to prove too strong in the blockbuster opening Six Nations showdown.
Gatland’s second-coming for Wales before this year's championship has been overshadowed by the dark cloud hanging over his employers, the Welsh Rugby Union.
The WRU has been rocked by an avalanche of allegations including sexism, misogyny, racism and homophobia, and has since responded with major reform proposals to save a failing organisation.
But the esteemed Gatland’s return has provided a glimmer of optimism within this rugby-adoring nation that the tide could at least be about to turn on the pitch.
Wayne Pivac was axed after presiding over the humiliating home defeats to Italy and Georgia that once appeared unthinkable in Gatland’s first regime.
And there are parallels to be drawn with the 2022 malaise from when Gatland needed just three months to transform a Welsh team of apparent no-hopers to improbable Grand Slam winners in 2008. His first appointment had followed a disastrous 2007 World Cup campaign.
“When Gatland first came in he didn’t have any time then and we still ended up winning the Grand Slam!” Hook, an integral part of that famous 2008 squad, tells Mirror Sport.
Gatland has backed the old guard to down Ireland in this year's curtain-raiser, with veteran world-record cap holder Alun Wyn Jones remarkably still among an experienced group of starters, 15 years on from his first Grand Slam endeavours.
And the 81-cap Hook insists Gatland's underdogs must get the basics right to run the current number one ranked team in the world close on Saturday.
"When Wales have won championships under Gatland, they’ve been based on good kicking game, a strong set-piece and a strong defence," he said. "If we snuff out what Johnny Sexton wants to orchestrate then we’ll give ourselves a chance of winning."
"Wales in Cardiff are a tough match for anyone and the Six Nations always turns out strange results."
Andy Farrell, twice a member of Gatland's Lions backroom staff, guided Ireland to a memorable clean sweep of the southern-hemisphere giants last year, including a historic series win in New Zealand.
Farrell has created a winning culture with Ireland and there is a well-founded belief that the Englishman could lead them to World Cup glory this autumn, despite the nation having never progressed beyond the quarter-final stages of the tournament.
But, for now, Farrell's focus is firmly on claiming Ireland's first Six Nations silverware in five years. And Hook believes a positive start is crucial in Cardiff ahead of a possible Grand Slam decider against fellow tournament favourites France in Dublin next week.
“Wales are up against an excellent team. You look at the way Ireland took apart the All Blacks in the summer. They're so well coached. The creativity in their attack is great to watch and they've ramped their physicality up from what they used to be.
"When they get in the 22 they keep the ball so well and rarely come away without points. I think Ireland will win the tournament - the fixtures fall kindly for them - but this game is massive.
"If they win this game they know they’ve got England and France at home which would be a massive psychological boost. I think Ireland will win by seven points."
Saturday’s clash will also be the first filmed as part of a new Six Nations Netflix series which promises to offer 'an insight into the pulsating behind the scenes moments' during the championship.
The news has been met with excitement from rugby fans, but Wales boss Gatland has admitted to feeling uneasy with having no editorial control at a time of heightened tension in the dressing room, unlike in the previous documentaries he has been involved with.
"You want to make sure you’re able to protect yourself because in a rugby environment, when you are talking about creating emotion, the language and the phrases used aren’t always appropriate.” Gatland said at the Six Nations launch.
Hook - who worked with film crews on the 2009 Lions tour - understands Gatland’s concerns over the series, which is being produced by the makers of F1's Drive to Survive.
“I’ve loved watching these documentaries in the past but going on a Lions tour, you’ve got a camera in your face the majority of the time. You know it’s going to be a good series but when you’re actually in there you are mindful and wary of the cameras.
“I can understand Gatland’s thought process. He wants to come in and get Wales back to winning ways and it could be a distraction. But in this day and age players are a lot more used to cameras being around and the social media side of things.
“For the sport it’s excellent. To get an insight into the Six Nations and what teams are doing behind-the-scenes is great.”
