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Warren Gatland: Wales have 'forgotten how to lose'
By Online Editors
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has proudly claimed that his team have 'forgotten how to lose' after their stunning 24-19 comeback win against France in Paris.
The Welsh trailed 16-0 at half-time after a poor first half showing, with Louis Picamoles and Yoann Huget dotting down to complement a penalty and drop goal from Camille Lopez.
However, the visitors responded outstandingly to run in three second half tries, including an opportunistic brace for wing George North, to come away from the French capital with four competition points.
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"France were very good in the first half," he said to Sky Sports.
"We made too many errors and tried to play too much rugby. We were much better in the second half and created some chances.
"For me, the big difference between the two teams is that we've become a side that has probably forgotten how to lose and can dig deep like that.
"On the other hand, they are probably a team searching for some confidence, having not had a great run in the last seven or eight matches."
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"We know that we get better the more time we have together," he said.
"To win this tournament, you need a bit of luck. We look back on our victories and know that sometimes you have the bounce of the ball.
"It's tough in the Six Nations when you come up against one of the big teams. France in Paris is a real challenge, and if you can win the first game then you have a good chance of winning the tournament.
"Hopefully we can build on this and start thinking about the rest of the tournament."
France head to Twickenham next week to face England, who will be well-prepared after their colossal tournament-opener with Ireland in Dublin this weekend.
Head coach Jacques Brunel told Sky Sports the commitment his side showed, particularly in the first half, was commendable, but he was obviously disappointed with the result.
"We have to improve the control we lacked in this match," he said.
"But facing England will be as difficult a challenge as facing Wales, and it will also be a mental test for us.
"We were fully committed, did lots of interesting things, especially in the first half. Even if we didn't master everything, we managed to put Wales under pressure.
"We know they have a formidable defence, and unfortunately we didn't start the second half well and they did."
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Latest Comments
I wonder Jake, who do you think is the best fit for Australia as a coach? Not since Joe Schmidt took over as coach did Australia look any good, however, there is always this debate around not having an Aussie coach by the fans and so called pundits and old players.
Some of them are changing their minds now however, but I would love to see who you would choose. I think Joe Schmidt is an excellent coach, who puts in everything for the team he is coaching. To him, there is no such thing as being biased.
Go to commentsExcept for the 6N he has won nothing. No WC's, no Lions tours not anything. He is ranked even behind Eddie Jones, who has won a WC with SA and have a better victory rate than Gatland. Keep your so called "best coach" in the world. No one but Wales wants him. A very harsh Hell No comes to mind if anyone asks if they would want Gatland as head coach.
Guess the man is wearing blinders. Rob Howley is howling mad describing Gatland as the best. What a load of 💩
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