Futures are on the line, warns Wales boss
WALES will bring their sorry Six Nations campaign to a close on Saturday with Warren Gatland warning that jobs could be on the line.
The New Zealander has responded to the defeat by Ireland in Dublin by shaking up his side for the clash with Italy at the Millennium Stadium, making five changes, one of which sees 18-year-old Osprey Tom Prydie become Wales's youngest ever international.
And accompanying the alterations was a clear message that there could be consequences if the malaise that has gripped the national team all season continues.
Announcing his side, he said: ''We are not going to hide away and make excuses.
''It's important we front up and be honest about where we are.
''We are in a results-orientated business and people are under pressure for their jobs and futures.
''We have to be aware of that and make people understand that.
''And that's why we will be going out against Italy and showing people what it means to put that jersey on, play at home and deliver a performance.''
Gatland didn't specify whether it was his job, the positions of his back-up staff or his players' places that were at issue.
But he also moved to stress how much coaching Wales meant to him.
Having attended every Wales press conference this week, he said: ''I'm disappointed, I can't stand losing and I want to show the players, staff and the rest of the set-up what this means to me.
''I think it's important they are aware of that and everyone is aware of that. It means a lot to me and I don't take what I have got for granted. I'm very privileged, very honoured and very proud to be coach of Wales.
''I want to continue to do it, but I want to show people I'm passionate about it as well.''
He has made five changes, drafting in three Lions — Mike Phillips, Gethin Jenkins and Ryan Jones — and two cubs in Prydie and Sam Warburton.
Paul James and Gareth Delve are named on the bench, with Richie Rees, Leigh Halfpenny and Martyn Williams dropping out of the 22. Gatland stressed that Warburton taking over from Williams wasn't a changing of the guard. ''I have spoken to Martyn and he understands the situation. He's played in four games in this championship. It's an opportunity to give Sam an international outing with plenty of experienced players around him.''
Mark Orders
3 Comments
by DJ, Swansea
Thursday, March 18 2010, 6:57PM
“I agree with Steve Grant that Dan Biggar be given a chance, I would like to see him on the bench rather than starting the game though. The problem Wales have got is there is no strength in depth. With Mike Philips and Dwayne Peel injured we were struggling from the first game, Cooper is not an international scrum half, his distribution was awful at best, putting Steven Jones under pressure and the whole team suffering. Steven Jones and a small handfull of other players were the only ones to come out with a little bit of credit, there are far to many big name players at the moment who are not pulling their weight.”
by jon, uplands
Thursday, March 18 2010, 9:55AM
“Perhaps he should go have a chat with Henson and say the magic words he did with martyn williams after he had retired.”
by steve grant, birchgrove
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 4:58PM
“Would have liked to have seen Dan Biggar start as outside half, it's clear he's the future Wales 10 and should be playing now in readyness for the RWC.”