Shaun Edwards and Warren Gatland take the blunt approach

"They don't beat around the bush," he said. "I've not had someone screaming at your face telling you as it is.

"It might offend some people, but they said they are not trying to offend or pick on people, they're trying to help.

"That's their coaching style, it's great. They are probably trying to make us feel they take no prisoners off the field so we should take none on it."

The blunt approach has been underlined by Gatland's candid responses to questions about dropping wing Mark Jones, centre Sonny Parker and back-row replacement Alix Popham.

Jones gives way to debutant Jamie Roberts, of Cardiff Blues, while Shanklin takes over from Osprey Parker and Gloucester's Gareth Delve comes on to the bench for Popham.

However, Gatland denies the changes ahead of the clash with Scotland on Saturday are ruthless.

He said: "It's not about us being ruthless, it's about us picking our best team.

"What we are saying to the players is there are no guarantees and there are two messages here.

"One is when you take the field, it's about performing at your optimum. It's about trying to be error-free.

"But we're also saying to the other players in the squad if you go out and train well and take your chances then they've got an opportunity as well.

"It's not just about the 15 players, it's about the whole squad of 28 and guys feeling very much a part of it.

"Hopefully we've sent that message to the one or two others who will be disappointed that they're not in the 22 we have selected but perhaps thinking that if they keep their head down, keeping working hard, training hard then they may be given the opportunity."