 Complete the following phrase:  On 24 February 1998, after Brian Ashton resigned after round one of the 1998 Five Nations Championship, Gatland was appointed coach of Ireland. His first match in charge was against a rampant French side who had already scored over 70 points in their opening two fixtures. However, Gatland led Ireland to a close 1816 defeat at the Stade de France in Paris. Ireland finished in last place with zero points. Gatland quickly improved Irelands performances. This included a 2923 victory over the Welsh in the 