Phillips is confident of success against England at Twickenham

"They've been more fired up and focused and the intensity has gone up," he said ahead of Saturday's game at Twickenham, Gatland's first in charge of Wales.

"There's a new atmosphere in the camp, everyone's trying to impress and we're all targeting the Six Nations."

Osprey Phillips is expected to claim the Wales starting spot when the team is announced on Tuesday.

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His main rival, Dwayne Peel, is struggling with a shoulder injury, but Phillips had been pushing for the place in any case, despite being second choice at the Ospreys to New Zealander Justin Marshall.

"It's unfortunate for Dwayne that he's been injured, but if I have the chance to start it'll be a huge honour and I'll look to grab it with both hands," Phillips told BBC Sport Wales.

"I'd obviously like to be playing more at the Ospreys, but Justin is playing well so it's hard to complain. I've been happy with the way my game has gone when I've started or come on as a substitute.

"It's a massive match at Twickenham, but there's no reason why we can't go there, put in a huge performance and come away with the win.

"There have been a lot of changes at all the Six Nations teams. It's an open tournament and we're looking to catch the other sides cold."