Wales has not experienced a losing streak of 10 matches since the 2002-03 season and now faces two challenging weekends ahead, taking on Australia—fresh off their victory against England—and the formidable world champions, South Africa.
In response to inquiries about his future as coach, Warren Gatland addressed the media by downplaying the pressure that arises from their criticism. He remarked, “That’s okay. I believe that since the World Cup, with the players we’ve lost, we’ve invested in the youngsters and we’ve seen development.”
Despite his successful first stint from 2007 to 2019—with four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams, and two World Cup semi-final appearances—Gatland has found the current period more challenging since stepping back as head coach in December 2022.
“Hopefully next week,” was Gatland’s response when asked when the next win might come. He emphasized the need to relieve pressure on players so they can perform, while also acknowledging that the team could improve their accuracy to create better opportunities.
Gatland expressed his disappointment yet remained optimistic, stating, “There was lots of good stuff about today. You’ve got to take it on the chin… I’ll continue to work hard, keep my head down, and we’ve got to come back.”
On the other hand, Fiji’s coach Mick Byrne celebrated a significant victory, particularly after their recent defeat to Scotland. He expressed immense pride in the team, highlighting the experience of older players and the promising performances of younger squad members.
As Wales prepares for the following matches, their focus remains on refining their performance and building the team for future success, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of a challenging season. While the immediate outlook may seem tough, the potential for growth and development bodes well for Welsh rugby in the long run.
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