Wales are being savaged following record loss to Scotland
Warren Gatland's Wales are being savaged after they suffered a record 35-7 loss to Scotland, one which had stood for 140 years of fixtures between the countries.
It meant Wales have now suffered successive defeats at the start of a Six Nations campaign for the first time since 2007.
Captain Ken Owens said: “We had a really good first-half performance and were perhaps a bit unlucky not to go in slightly ahead at half-time. In the second half we put pressure on ourselves and they punished us. When you are winning and you have got momentum, it is hard to lose, and there is a flip side to that.
“It is early days with a new coaching staff and some new players coming in. We need to work hard and we have got to find a win. We believe in what we are trying to achieve.”
It may be early days for the Gatland regime but it's been two and half years of poor results for 2020 Guinness Six Nations champions.
They weren't spared online.
Renowned rugby writer Peter Jackson asked whether Wales would win a match the entire tournament. "Wales have won as many Six Nations' Grand Slams as England, Ireland and Scotland put together. Therefore the question with 3 matches left sounds almost like sacrilege: Are they going to win one?"
Welsh rugby Youtuber Squidge went as far as suggesting Rugby World Cup minnows would be fancying their chances against Warren Gatland's men. "Portugal must be licking their lips watching Wales."
Welsh rugby Tweeter James Phillips surmised that the wooden spoon might be the trophy that Wales are in the hunt for. "Wales looking every bit like wooden spoon contenders. A reflection of where Welsh rugby is at present."
Commentator and writer Sam Roberts mischievously pondered if the men in red could even manage win the mythical trophy for finishing last. "Kinghorn to Van Der Merwe works as well as Van Der Merwe to Kinghorn. Russell on point again. Wales will do well to win the wooden spoon at this rate."
PA journalist Andrew Baldock also suggested it now a 'strong possibility'. "Scotland very good. Wales’ attacking game worse than abysmal. Huge fortnight for Gatland and his players. Wooden spoon a strong possibility on today’s evidence."
ITV Wales journalist Matthew Southcombe likened it to be at the bottom of a very steep mountain. "Four defeats in a row for Wales now. The manner of the defeats are deeply concerning. Scotland in total control from start to finish. 6N is now a write-off for Wales but how does Gatland sort this out before the World Cup? They are at the foot of an extremely high mountain."
Talismanic flyhalf Dan Biggar was also on chopping block, failing to perform after stirring the pot with sharp comments around Scotland pre-game.
The Rugby Scribbler caught the mood writing: "I really rate (and usually like) Dan Biggar. But after this week, I'm glad Scotland absolutely hammered him. Don't dish that level of s*** if you're not up to it."
The clock is ticking for Gatland, Biggar and Wales, who desperately need to find some form before the Rugby World Cup in France later this year.
additional reporting PA
Latest Comments
Does anyone know a way to loook at how many mins each player has played whilst on tour?
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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