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London - England manager Martin Johnson brushed off criticism from Wales head coach Warren Gatland on Wednesday, as tension simmered ahead of next week's opening Six Nations clash.
In a clear attempt to rattle England hooker Dylan Hartley, Gatland questioned the ability of the Northampton player, before issuing a damning verdict on England's forwards.
"He always seems to have a lot to say for himself, but we will see what he's got next week," Gatland said of Hartley.
The Wales coach also said Hartley was an unpopular figure in the Welsh camp, because of his evidence in a disciplinary hearing against scrum-half Richie Rees which led to the Cardiff Blues player being banned for eye-gouging.
"Some of what he said was responsible for Richie Rees being banned for a lengthy period, yet he wasn't prepared to step outside with Gareth Williams when he was invited to do so," Gatland revealed.
Gatland also took aim at England's pack, a traditional source of strength.
"Their front row is not particularly mobile, and they are limited without Courtney Lawes and Tom Croft," Gatland said.
England boss Johnson smiled when asked to comment on Gatland's outburst - and backed Hartley not to rise to the bait.
"It was not particularly subtle and it wasn't unexpected. I'm confident Dylan will be fine and his temperament will hold up," said Johnson at the official launch of the 2011 Six Nations.
"Part of being a Test match player is dealing with that sort of thing. Dylan is playing in a team that's competing at the top of the, Premiership and is unbeaten in Europe.
"That takes some doing. He's not a young guy any more - he has 20-odd caps and is captain of his club. He will take this in his stride, no doubt."
Johnson said he was unlikely to respond to Gatland with his own tirade against the Welsh.
"It's not something I've ever done. You are potentially giving ammunition to the opposition. It's something he has chosen to do, but ultimately people will remember the game - not who said what beforehand," he said.
Gatland meanwhile was unapologetic about his remarks when talking to reporters on Wednesday.
"We needed to sell a couple of thousand tickets, and I am on a bonus from the BBC," Gatland said, referring to the host broadcaster.
"There's always a bit of spice between England and Wales. We will see how Dylan responds."
England open their Six Nations campaign against Wales in Cardiff on 4 February.
