The members of the Wales national rugby team have returned to practice full of fight and eager to reverse their recent run of poor results after a tumultuous week, according to coach Warren Gatland.

It has been a difficult few days for all involved in Welsh rugby, especially the players, who contemplated a strike over contract disputes with the Professional Rugby Board, which runs the professional game in Wales, before reaching an 11th hour agreement to play Saturday's Six Nations match against England.

"I’m just happy things have been sorted," Gatland told reporters on Thursday. "The guys are good this morning. We had a meeting to announce the team and it was an opportunity to draw a line in the sand and move forward."

Gatland has made nine changes to the side that lost 35-7 against Scotland in its last match, including recalls for No. 8 Taulupe Faletau, loose-forward Justin Tipuric, lock Alun Wyn Jones and fullback Leigh Halfpenny.

"In fairness to the guys, they’ve trained the house down," Gatland said. "They deserve their spots, then there’s some youngsters who will benefit."

One of those youngsters is center Mason Grady, who earns his first cap alongside fellow rookie Joe Hawkins in the midfield.

"We’ve been impressed by him (Grady)," Gatland said." He’s young and quick, brings some physicality. His biggest work-on is being more vocal, but he’s got some fantastic attributes. It’s a great opportunity for him."

The selection of Owen Williams at flyhalf ahead of Dan Biggar is an attempt to create more depth.

"We spoke about players being given opportunities," Gatland said. "It’s a position we’re lacking in depth in backup to Dan. In terms of the future, it’s important. Gareth Anscombe has had injuries in the last few years."

England has had a mixed start to its campaign under new coach Steve Borthwick and Gatland believes both teams are feeling the pressure. England is third in the standings after a win and a loss, while Wales is at the bottom following two defeats.

"I see them as a little bit like us, going through a rebuilding phase with a new coach," Gatland said. "Steve is trying to find his feet.

"It’s a massive game for both of us. We win and then we can finish on a high."

England has asked for the Principality Stadium roof to be open. Gatland admitted he wanted it closed but said it may count in his side’s favor in the end.

"They’ve asked for the roof to be open so it’s open. We’d have preferred for it to be closed so that dampens things down a little.

"The irony is we’re better with it open in terms of win record so they might not have done their homework."