WARREN Gatland is gearing up for his fourth Rugby World Cup as head coach of Wales, but this time, it’s a challenge like no other. After a turbulent year on and off the pitch, Gatland faces the task of rebuilding a struggling team.
Wales’ woes began with a historic victory over the Springboks in South Africa last year. Since then, they’ve managed to win just three out of 13 Tests, leading to the departure of head coach Wayne Pivac. Gatland returned for his second stint as head coach amid a backdrop of financial troubles and contractual uncertainties plaguing Welsh rugby.
The situation reached a boiling point when a threatened players’ strike loomed large ahead of Wales’ Guinness Six Nations clash with England in February. The tournament ended on a disappointing note for Wales as they finished fifth.
However, Gatland has been given a lifeline to rebuild the team with an expanded training squad, ample time, and a series of grueling camps in Switzerland and Turkey, along with three World Cup warm-up games. With a World Cup record that includes two semi-final appearances and one quarter-final with Wales, Gatland is undeniably up for the challenge.
Reflecting on the past, Gatland admitted, “I probably needed to let things unfold a bit and not be as direct or demanding as I might have normally been.” The team has since embraced greater accountability and higher standards, promising to surprise everyone.
Gatland emphasized the importance of taking one step at a time, starting with their pool matches against Fiji, Portugal, Australia, and Georgia. Fiji is their first opponent, and Gatland is well aware of their prowess. He stressed the significance of winning the first game to build momentum and confidence.
Wales’ squad for the World Cup is a mix of youth and experience, with co-captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake among the 16 players making their World Cup debut. Meanwhile, stalwarts like George North, Dan Biggar, Leigh Halfpenny, and Taulupe Faletau bring a wealth of experience to the team.
Gatland noted the challenge of balancing experience and youth in the squad but highlighted the luxury of longer breaks between games in this World Cup. With an eight-day gap before facing Australia and a 13-day break before the Georgia match, Wales aims to keep players fresh and maintain their fitness throughout the tournament.
