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Warren Gatland has praised Dylan Hartley - four years after questioning his temperament.
The England hooker, whose career has been beset by disciplinary issues, is expected to start against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Friday.
Wales head coach Gatland criticised Hartley ahead of this fixture in 2011, claiming “he has always got a lot to say” and that “he went to pieces” while playing in a club game against Leicester.
Although Gatland selected Hartley for the 2013 Lions, the Northampton captain was then axed from the tour of Australia after receiving an 11‑week ban for verbally abusing referee Wayne Barnes in the Premiership final.
Despite that - and mindful perhaps of the impact Hartley could have in Cardiff - Gatland played down any potential issues.
“Dylan brings an edge to the game,” he said. “That’s what makes top players. I spoke to Dylan when we were at Twickenham, and we had a good chat about the Lions. I would have loved to have worked with him.
“I had a few words about him a number of years ago, and he shoved them back in my face and responded brilliantly with a fantastic performance against Wales. As a coach, you have got to admire and respect that. He is a hard competitor and a winner.”
