Warren Gatland's second tenure as head coach of the Welsh rugby team has proven more challenging than he anticipated, as he admitted ahead of Wales' crucial match against Australia. Returning to lead the team after a successful first spell from 2007 to 2019, Gatland now faces the daunting task of preventing an unprecedented 11th consecutive test loss, which would surpass the previous record of 10 consecutive defeats set under Steve Hansen in the early 2000s.
Australia, coached by Joe Schmidt, is approaching Sunday's clash in Cardiff with renewed confidence following their thrilling 42-37 victory over England. The Wallabies’ recent form and the resurgence in their attacking play further highlight the steep challenge Wales must overcome. Beyond the match against Australia, Wales' schedule only intensifies, with world champions South Africa set to visit next, followed by the start of the Six Nations against France in Paris.
The past 18 months have been turbulent for Wales, marked by significant retirements of stalwarts such as Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric, Dan Biggar, and George North. Additionally, the team has struggled with a spate of injuries, putting more pressure on younger and less experienced players to step up. Gatland has had to overhaul the squad significantly, capping over 20 new players since his return ahead of the 2023 Six Nations. Despite these efforts, results have been hard to come by, with the coach achieving just six wins in 22 tests since his return.
Reflecting on the journey, Gatland expressed surprise at the difficulties encountered. "We have tried to point out from the outset that we need to go through some pain. I didn't think there would be this much pain, to be honest," he remarked. The coach acknowledged that, in the high-pressure world of international rugby, time is often a luxury that coaches are not afforded. "It is about results. I have tried to not shy away from that. Criticism is part of the job and the role," he said, while also emphasizing the commitment of the coaching staff and players to push through this rebuilding phase.
Despite the struggles, Gatland remains focused on developing a new generation of Welsh rugby talent, hoping that the experience gained now will pay dividends in the future. For the upcoming match against Australia, he has made key changes to the lineup. Injuries have ruled out wing Mason Grady and scrum-half Tomos Williams, prompting Gatland to bring in Ellis Bevan at scrum-half and Tom Rogers on the wing. James Botham and Jac Morgan will bolster the back row alongside Aaron Wainwright, showcasing Gatland’s continued effort to blend emerging players with experienced campaigners.
Wales’ supporters and rugby pundits alike will be watching Sunday’s game with bated breath, aware that a win could provide a much-needed morale boost and a potential turning point in Gatland's challenging second spell at the helm.
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