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Gatland warns no-holds barred as Wales target record
ROME, Feb 10, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Wales coach Warren Gatland warned there
would be no-holds barred when his team targets a record 12th consecutive Test
victory in two week’s time after a sloppy 26-15 win over Italy in Rome on
Saturday.
Gatland’s side went top of the Six Nations table after away wins against
France and Italy and next play England, who last week bumped Wales from third
in the world rankings, in Cardiff on February 23.
But the New Zealander conceded “sometimes you have to win ugly” after
Welsh errors allowed the gritty Italians back into the game at the Stadio
Olimpico.
“There will definitely be no lack of motivation in trying to beat England
and break that record,” said the New Zealander.
“We’ve got a chance, we’re at home, the stadium will be full, it’ll be
some atmosphere at the Principality Stadium.
“If this group of players achieve that, it’ll be something nobody can take
away from them.”
Wales last achieved 11 consecutive victories in 1910.
Gatland made 10 changes to the side that beat the French in Paris and led
7-12 at the break thanks to four Dan Biggar penalties.
Josh Adams and Owen Watkin scored a pair of tries after the break but
there were too many errors to push for a bonus-point win.
“You’re not always brilliant and we weren’t today. We will be a lot better
against England,” said Gatland.
The Italians slumped to a 19th successive defeat in the championship, but
emerged with some credit, scoring a try in each half and rattling the world
number four team.
“A lot of people criticise us but you have to give Italy credit,” said
Gatland.
“They’re a tough team to break down in Rome.
“That’s probably the best Italian performance I’ve seen since I’ve been in
charge of Wales.”
– ‘Bigger picture’ –
Gatland tried an experimental Wales side with Jonathan Davies captaining
the team for the first time.
Gatland emptied his bench in the second half with regular skipper Alun Wyn
Jones coming on late and his imposing presence provided a boost.
“I was looking at the bigger picture,” said Gatland, as he prepares for
the World Cup in Japan.
“We want to have as good a World Cup as we can. That was the plan all
along.
“If it was a normal year, on reflection, maybe we wouldn’t have made so
many changes. We wanted to give everyone in the 31 an opportunity to be
involved in the first two games.
“There’s no regrets, we’ve won two from two matches and now have a couple
of weeks to set up nicely for the England match.
“We’ll put this game behind us and the most satisfying thing was coming
away with a win.”
Italy followed their loss to Scotland in Murrayfield by extending their
losing streak in the competition going back to February 2015.
Head coach Conor O’Shea said he took “consolation from the fact we scored
the same amount of tries as Wales” with Braam Steyn and Edoardo Padovani
touching down in either half.
“Any time we do anything good it’s the other team’s fault,” the Irishman
replied when asked if he agreed that Wales had not been that good.
“I saw an Italian side that fronted up.
“Wales are an incredible team, they’re not number three in the world for
nothing.
“We will never give up and keep working to try and achieve success. I am
in this for the long haul of Italian rugby.”
Italy play Ireland in the Stadio Olimpico on February 24.
BSS/AFP/RY/1744 hrs