Gatland eyes Six Nations crown
Warren Gatland had warned the rest of the Six Nations that Wales are just warming up after his side secured a clinical win over France in Paris.
Gatland's side have now beaten Les Bleus four times in a row and they had the boot of Leigh Halfpenny to thank in the Stade de France at the weekend, the fullback slotting five penalties while Dan Biggar also crossed for try.
After defeat to England on the opening Friday of the Championship, Wales have bounced back with two wins in a row to reignite their title hopes.
And Gatland admits his side are growing into the Championship as it 
progresses with Ireland next to come to the Millennium Stadium in Round Four.
"We improve as a unit when we spend more time together," he said.
"It is always tough when you get an opening game like that against England. That second half you learn about that."
If the Irish can beat England on Sunday, then Wales know a victory over Ireland could push them towards a title – just like two years ago when they came back from losing their opening match at home to Ireland to win in France on their way to lifting the title.
"At least our next game against Ireland will be at home and then we go away to Italy still with an opportunity to win a Championship.
"We've prided ourselves in the squad in recent years that the more time we spend together we improve," said Gatland.
"After the second half performance against England we were written off by a lot of people but we improved against Scotland and it was a step up [on Saturday].
"We're back in contention, obviously we need a couple of results to go our way."
Gatland reserved special praise for his pack.
"The forwards were excellent. The line-out was excellent and the scrums as well. It was tough at the breakdown. Both teams made it difficult for the referee.
"But we went out, played rugby and the better team won. At home against Ireland, if we can win that then potentially we're in with a chance [of winning the tournament], depending on what happens [in Dublin on Sunday]."
Gatland said his team had shown maturity to win a game that in the past might have got away from them.
"For us it's about a bit of experience in the team obviously," he said.
"We spoke beforehand about four wins in a row against France and it being the first time since the 50s that Wales have achieved that. There was the potential for something a bit special.
"But we have a massive problem starting the second half. We're trying to address it with the team. I don't know the answer but we got out of it."
He added: "I think composure and experience is what got us over the line, that's satisfying for us.
"As coaches and players we probably put ourselves under pressure. In those situations we've crumbled or lost a crucial line-out, or given a stupid penalty away [in the past].
"I think we've improved and matured as team."
Brice Dulin did cross for a try in the second half for France as they looked to mount a comeback but in the end Wales held firm for an impressive victory.
"We have had a good record against France," added Gatland.
"I thought the forwards were sensational today – they were under a lot of pressure but they went out and fronted up. Our line-out was great, we scrummed well and mauled well and we deserved to win. We also tried to show our hand and play some rugby too."
@RBS6Nations2015 & Agence France-Presse
