In a Candid Assessment, Wales National Rugby Union Team Head Coach Warren Gatland Acknowledges Slump
Wales Drops Outside Top 10 in World Rugby Rankings
Following an 8-match losing streak, including a 25-16 defeat against Australia in Sydney, the Wales national rugby union team has dropped to the 11th spot in the world rankings. Head coach Warren Gatland, in his second stint, emphasized that this is simply “where we are at the moment” as the team continues to develop towards the next Rugby World Cup.
“We know where we are at the moment – we’re developing this team,” Gatland said. “We said all along and have been up front in what we’re trying to do. I hope people can see some development in terms of the players and experience with what we’re trying to do towards the next World Cup.”
Despite the team’s losing run, Gatland remained optimistic, noting that Wales have been in contention in several of these matches and could have emerged victorious.
“In that run we’ve been in games, been in front and easily could have won a few, and tonight’s the same,” he explained.
Acknowledging the pressure that comes with the team’s current struggles, Gatland emphasized the need for more accuracy and a bit of luck in those tight matches to secure victories.
“I understand you are going to get pressure from people talking about a losing run at the moment,” he said. “But in that run we’ve been in games, been in front and easily could have won a few, and tonight’s the same.”
Gatland expressed hope that the development of the team and the experience gained will pay dividends as Wales prepare for the next Rugby World Cup.
“I thought there were some positives in terms of what we’re trying to do. A bit more accuracy, you get decisions which go your way and you win. Those are big moments we need to learn from to make sure in those tight matches, you end on the winning side.”
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