The members of the Wales national rugby team have returned to practice full of fight and eager to reverse their recent run of poor results after a tumultuous week, according to coach Warren Gatland.

It has been a difficult few days for all involved in Welsh rugby, especially the players, who contemplated a strike over contract disputes with the Professional Rugby Board, which runs the professional game in Wales, before reaching an 11th hour agreement to play Saturday¡¯s Six Nations match against England.

¡°I¡¯m just happy things have been sorted,¡± Gatland told reporters on Thursday. ¡°The guys are good this morning. We had a meeting to announce the team and it was an opportunity to draw a line in the sand and move forward.¡±

Gatland has made nine changes to the side that lost 35-7 against Scotland in its last match, including recalls for No. 8 Taulupe Faletau, loose-forward Justin Tipuric, lock Alun Wyn Jones and fullback Leigh Halfpenny.

¡°In fairness to the guys, they¡¯ve trained the house down,¡± Gatland said. ¡°They deserve their spots, then there¡¯s some youngsters who will benefit.¡±

One of those youngsters is center Mason Grady, who earns his first cap alongside fellow rookie Joe Hawkins in the midfield.

¡°We¡¯ve been impressed by him (Grady),¡± Gatland said.¡± He¡¯s young and quick, brings some physicality. His biggest work-on is being more vocal, but he¡¯s got some fantastic attributes. It¡¯s a great opportunity for him.¡±

The selection of Owen Williams at flyhalf ahead of Dan Biggar is an attempt to create more depth.

¡°We spoke about players being given opportunities,¡± Gatland said. ¡°It¡¯s a position we¡¯re lacking in depth in backup to Dan. In terms of the future, it¡¯s important. Gareth Anscombe has had injuries in the last few years.¡±

England has had a mixed start to its campaign under new coach Steve Borthwick and Gatland believes both teams are feeling the pressure. England is third in the standings after a win and a loss, while Wales is at the bottom following two defeats.

¡°I see them as a little bit like us, going through a rebuilding phase with a new coach,¡± Gatland said. ¡°Steve is trying to find his feet.

¡°It¡¯s a massive game for both of us. We win and then we can finish on a high.¡±

England has asked for the Principality Stadium roof to be open. Gatland admitted he wanted it closed but said it may count in his side¡¯s favor in the end.

¡°They¡¯ve asked for the roof to be open so it¡¯s open. We¡¯d have preferred for it to be closed so that dampens things down a little.

¡°The irony is we¡¯re better with it open in terms of win record so they might not have done their homework.¡±