Wales Assistant Coach Rob Howley Confident in Gatland’s Ability to Turn Tide
As the Wales national rugby union team prepares for the second Test against Australia this Saturday, assistant coach Rob Howley has expressed his faith in head coach Warren Gatland’s ability to navigate the team’s recent struggles.
Gatland’s side are looking to avoid a ninth consecutive international defeat and level the series against the Wallabies in Melbourne. The 25-16 loss in the first Test in Sydney marked Gatland’s 14th defeat in 20 matches since he returned to the helm in December 2022.
Despite the team’s flagging fortunes, which saw them finish bottom of the Six Nations for the first time since 2003, Howley believes Gatland’s vast experience will be crucial in turning things around. “That is where you see Warren Gatland at his best through his experience that he has,” said Howley. “Not many of us have experienced the number of losses that we have had, but Warren said after the game [in Sydney] it is what it is.”
Howley was part of the coaching staff that guided Wales to the number one world ranking with 14 successive victories in 2018 and 2019. He is also familiar with the team’s previous struggles, having been involved in the coaching team that suffered eight defeats in 2012 and 2013, with Wales’ record losing sequence standing at 10 under Steve Hansen in 2002 and 2003.
“We keep challenging our players to improve individually and collectively,” Howley explained. “We back our players’ decisions. We hope at some point through that experience of these players playing more international games, we will get over the line. We have to keep knocking at the door, working hard, trusting your systems and keep believing. Warren does that very well.”
As Wales prepare for the final international of the season, Gatland and his staff will be hoping to level the series against the Wallabies and end the campaign on a high note.
🔗 Source
