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'It could be embarrassing' - Gatland warns side ahead of England encounter
By Online Editors
Wales coach Warren Gatland has warned his side that things could get "embarrassing" when they meet England in two weeks time if they put out an effort like they did against Italy.
While Wales equalled their longest test winning streak at 11 with a 26-15 triumph over the Azzurri on Saturday, they looked far from their best on the pitch.
Both sides scored a pair of tries but the boot of Dan Biggar proved the difference as the first five-eighth nailed four penalty goals.
England looked impressive last week when they beat Ireland 32-20 in Dublin, and Gatland knows his team must take things up a level if they are to defend their home ground against Eddie Jones' men.
"There are lots of things we need to improve for England," Gatland told ITV post-match.
"The lineout was a bit concerning, we didn't have enough tempo. We kept having to step away and Italy closed down that space pretty quickly.
"If we play like that against England it could be embarrassing."
Gatland also explained the reasoning behind the plethora of changes he made to the lineup before the Italy clash.
"I probably need to take some criticism myself in terms of making so many changes and perhaps not having that continuity," he said.
"But the plan was double-edged with looking at the Six Nations and ahead to the World Cup.
"We came here and did a job, got a win and can start thinking about the next two weeks which could already potentially be a championship decider."
Wales haven't beaten England since the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and have been usurped from their World No. 3 spot by England after last weekend's results.
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Latest Comments
ALB has had many a start in big matches for ABs and has never put his stamp on the game Tupaea got the start in 22 against Ireland before injured and he struggled a tad too neither had outstanding SR seasons one thing Jordie an Reiko ain’t leaking breaks and tries at all in multiple big games
Go to commentsI’ll see how Aus go against Scotland and Ireland!
They have beaten the worst Welsh side ever and pipped England in OT
They do look attractive to watch I admit but got smashed by the Welsh scrum last week
Look at the areas of focus for Razor and Ryan
Huge player development in the ABs and ABs XV
One might argue that the only scrum more dominant is the Boks? And that wasn’t clear in SA until the bomb squad came on
The bench has been somewhat rectified since then
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