Wales’ Rollercoaster Ride Under Gatland
As the dust settles on Wales’ latest chapter in their roller-coaster journey under the leadership of Warren Gatland and Rob Howley, the rugby union faithful find themselves once again pondering the team’s fortunes.
From the dizzying heights of a Grand Slam triumph in 2005 to the depths of an eight-defeat season in 2012-13, the Welsh national team has experienced the full spectrum of emotions. The very same squad that was running riot against Australia, scoring a remarkable 40 points in a memorable World Cup night just 13 months ago, has now endured a record-equalling 10th consecutive loss, including a first-ever defeat to Fiji at home and a winless 2024 Test season.
“It is what it is,” Gatland states matter-of-factly. “We have not thrown in the towel.”
The Welsh Rugby Union appears reluctant to wield the axe, at least for now. However, Gatland surely understands that his position would be untenable should the team’s fortunes not improve in the upcoming autumn internationals and the pivotal Six Nations campaign.
“I believe 100% in what we’re doing,” the experienced coach affirms. “The conviction is there, and that probably takes away some of the noise that’s coming towards us.”
Whether that conviction will be enough to steer Wales back to their former glories remains to be seen.
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