If he is a man who fears for his future, Gatland was in relatively relaxed mood when he conducted his press conference close to Nice Airport.

Gatland refuted Biggar's "biggest game" comments. This is a coach who has prepared Wales for Grand Slam matches and Six Nations deciders and two World Cup semi-finals.

Biggar's assessment was based on the consequences of another defeat, and the head coach acknowledged the importance of the match and that Wales are desperate for a win.

Gatland, who has a set of gates named after him at the Principality Stadium, continues to divide opinion in Wales.

There are some who point to his poor record since 2020, who believe his coaching methods are outdated and insist a change is required.

There are others who believe he is still the man to turn things around and he is doing the best he can with the quality of the squad at his disposal.

His supporters lay the blame for the malaise in Welsh rugby solely at the door of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

There are also those who believe Gatland and the WRU must share responsibility for the respective failures on and off the field.

After an independent review, Gatland was given a vote of confidence for the 2025 Six Nations, despite a calendar year where he oversaw 11 defeats.

The mood music is the New Zealander might well be moving on at the end of the tournament, barring a miraculous turnaround.

Whether victory or defeat this weekend in the Eternal City affects this prospective scenario remains to be seen.