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Gatland slams ‘bitter’ critics ahead of Wales-Springboks US Test
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Warren Gatland has slammed critics of
Wales’ clash with South Africa as “bitter and twisted” as the two teams
prepare to meet in Washington D.C. on Saturday.
Wales are in the American capital prior to their two-match tour of
Argentina with their clash with the Springboks at the RFK Stadium taking
place outside World Rugby’s designated Test window.
Critics have slammed the encounter as a money-grabbing exercise with former
Wales captain Gwyn Jones declaring it a “shambles” which “devalues
international rugby.”
Both teams have named youthful sides, but Wales head coach Gatland sees the
80 minutes as a vital part of his team’s preparation for next year’s World
Cup.
“If anyone has come out and criticised this match, they’re completely ill-
informed in terms of how important it is for the long term,” he said.
“I think you would have to be someone with a chip on your shoulder or be
pretty bitter and twisted to criticise this match because I see it as
absolutely vital in terms of our long-term planning for 2019.
“It’s about creating depth and replicating conditions that are going to be
very much the same in Japan. Playing in a different situation, a different
culture, travelling, and putting ourselves out of our comfort zone all make
for a really important stepping stone for us.”
Wales star George North – the most experienced member of Gatland’s touring
party even at the age of just 26 – starts in the unusual position of outside
centre against South Africa.
Ellis Jenkins captains the side from the back-row for the first time while
his Cardiff Blues team-mate Tomos Williams will make his international debut
at scrum-half.
Uncapped 20-year-old flanker Aaron Wainwright is on the bench where Wales
face a late fitness call on Rhys Patchell.
Should he fail to be fit, Gareth Davies will step in.
– Midfield option for North –
Gatland has urged North – who has made three previous starts for his
country at centre – to deliver the goods.
“Long term I think George is potentially an option in midfield. We’ve seen
players in the past that have started their international careers on the
wing, like Tana Umaga and Ma’a Nonu, and then moved into the midfield,” he
said.
“It’s not out of the realms of possibility George could end up doing that
in his career, but we are lucky enough to have some talented midfielders
already.
“I think we’d all love to see him get back to the form he had in 2013. That
was a while ago now and at the 2011 World Cup he was absolutely phenomenal.
“Then someone else made the decision for him to leave Wales and to go up to
Northampton. I think he learned a lot from that. He’s made what he thinks is
the best decision for him in terms of returning to Wales on a dual contract
with the Ospreys and he will get looked after.”
South Africa have named an inexperienced XV of their own with just 159 caps
between them. Of the match day 23, there are 13 with no previous experience
of international rugby.
Pieter-Steph du Toit is captain for Rassie Erasmus’ first game in charge.
Fly-half Elton Jantjies and centre Jesse Kriel also start.
Erasmus said: “As coaches we are tremendously excited about the prospect of
seeing some of our best young players getting the opportunity to play at this
level.
“Wales have a very solid and effective kicking strategy and their cohesive
forward and set-piece play are some of their main strong points. However, I
do believe we have picked a match-day squad that will be able to compete very
strongly.”
BSS/AFP/MRI/0838 hrs