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Selected Lions star dramatically rules himself out in 'self-less' last-minute call
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Jonathan Davies' verdict on Warren Gatland's six wins from 22 run
By Liam Heagney
Legendary Wales out-half Jonathan Davies has given his verdict on Warren Gatland’s rotten run in his second stint as national team head coach. The Kiwi enjoyed enormous success during his initial period in charge, winning four Six Nations titles (three were Grand Slams) and guiding them to Rugby World Cup semi-finals in 2011 and 2019.
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However, Gatland’s second coming as Wales boss has been terrible as just six wins in 22 matches have been recorded and they are currently on a record-equalling run of 10 straight losses with Australia preparing to visit Cardiff next Sunday.
Wales were humbled 19-24 last Sunday at Principality Stadium, leaving them ranked 11th in the world and igniting calls for Gatland to be sacked. Mike Phillips and Jamie Roberts are just two former Gatland players critical of the current lack of success, and Davies has now joined the debate.
Writing in his latest walesonline.co.uk column, the retired dual code star said criticism of Gatland was valid. “You have got to take the rough with the smooth. He has taken all the glory of Grand Slams and Six Nations titles, but when you are on a run like this, the buck stops with the coach. He understands that.
“He seems to have the backing of everybody. He made that clear after the Italy game in this year’s Six Nations. He was clever enough to offer his resignation after the game and they said no.
“But the pressure is building and it all depends on these next two games. Then you probably have a decision to make for the Six Nations, either before it or after it. I don’t think you can sack him now, but it’s not looking good with the way they are.
“You have got the best team in the world [South Africa] coming over and a rejuvenated Australian side. It’s down to the Welsh Rugby Union, really. They are the ones that brought him back and gave him a big contract.”
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Davies went on to analyse the Wales performance versus Fiji before returning to the topic of whether Gatland is the best coach to take the team forward. “Whatever happens in the rest of the autumn, Gatland will surely be thinking about if he can take Wales forward anymore?
“He talks a good game, speaking about the positives afterwards. But it’s hard to take the positives when you have just lost control of the match against Fiji. It’s a pressure pot and the pressure is certainly building.
“It’s all down to getting that elusive result. That is only going to get more elusive, purely because of the teams you are playing against. Joe Schmidt looks like he knows what he is doing. He has won five out of 10 with the Wallabies. For context, Gatland has won six out of 22… Frankly, they are in a very, very tough place.”
Jiffy column: I don't think you can sack Warren Gatland yet but the buck stops with him | @JiffyRugby https://t.co/fJMuTXdPbY
— WalesOnline Rugby (@WalesRugby) November 12, 2024
