In a thrilling match at the Rugby World Cup 2023, Wales’ head coach, Warren Gatland, expressed his contentment with the team’s performance and the bonus-point victory over Portugal in Nice. Gatland, a seasoned coach with a rich history in World Cup tournaments, has led Wales to their fourth World Cup appearance, previously coaching Ireland in the 1999 tournament.
Wales’ impressive journey in the tournament continued as they secured maximum bonus-point wins against Fiji and Portugal, earning them the top spot in Pool C. Despite some critics finding the win over Portugal less than impressive, Gatland saw it as a job well done.
“If someone said you’d have 10 points from the first two games, we’d have been happy with that,” Gatland remarked, showing his pragmatic approach to the competition.
Gatland’s 16th World Cup victory as a coach is a remarkable feat, making him the coach with the most wins in the tournament’s history, surpassing his old rival Eddie Jones. The timing of this achievement is particularly special as it occurred on Gatland’s 60th birthday, adding a touch of serendipity to the moment.
Wales made 12 changes from their starting lineup in the previous match against Fiji, which Gatland acknowledged might have contributed to a somewhat shaky start. He mentioned that some players hadn’t seen much playing time, and the quick turnaround between matches posed its challenges. Nevertheless, the coach’s message to the team was clear: job done.
With a halftime lead of 14-3, Wales faced a challenging first half with Portugal applying significant pressure. Gatland noted the intensity of the game in those opening minutes, but he emphasized that the second half saw fewer opportunities for Portugal to exert the same level of pressure.
The coach attributed Wales’ success to moments when they played direct, hard-hitting rugby, highlighting the importance of winning collisions. He also acknowledged that, at times, the team’s play appeared a bit lateral.
Looking ahead to their match against Australia in Lyon on September 24th, Gatland remained cautious about making early decisions regarding the lineup. He praised certain players’ performances, such as Rio Dyer’s excellent aerial skills, while also pointing out areas for improvement.
One interesting twist in the match was the late replacement of flanker Tommy Reffell with Jac Morgan due to Reffell’s tight calf. Morgan stepped in and delivered a man-of-the-match performance, including scoring a try. Gatland explained that the decision was made just before kick-off to prevent further injury to Reffell, a wise move considering the long tournament ahead.
Gatland also highlighted the progress of Taulupe Faletau, who made a crucial try-saving tackle and crossed for the bonus point try. He emphasized that Faletau’s game improves with more playing time and praised his dedication and hard work.
Despite their focus on the match, Gatland took a moment to acknowledge the impressive performances of Portugal and Uruguay in the tournament. He raised the possibility of expanding the number of teams in the World Cup to 24 to promote the development of rugby in tier two nations. Gatland’s sentiment reflects a desire to see more competitive matches and upsets in the tournament, enriching the global rugby landscape.
In conclusion, Warren Gatland’s Wales is off to a strong start in the Rugby World Cup 2023, and with his experience and strategic approach, they aim to continue their journey towards glory, navigating through challenges and celebrating victories along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby World Cup 2023
Q: How many World Cup victories has Warren Gatland achieved as a coach?
A: Warren Gatland, the head coach of Wales, has achieved 16 World Cup victories, making him the coach with the most wins in the tournament’s history.
Q: Who did Wales play against in their Rugby World Cup 2023 match?
A: Wales secured a bonus-point victory over Portugal in their Rugby World Cup 2023 match in Nice.
Q: What was the halftime score in the match between Wales and Portugal?
A: Wales led Portugal with a score of 14-3 at halftime in their Rugby World Cup 2023 match.
Q: Which player was a late replacement for Wales due to injury in the match against Portugal?
A: Flanker Tommy Reffell was replaced by co-captain Jac Morgan in the match against Portugal due to a tight calf injury.
Q: What are Warren Gatland’s thoughts on the possibility of expanding the Rugby World Cup?
A: Gatland expressed the idea of increasing the number of teams in the World Cup to 24 to promote the development of rugby in tier two nations and create more competitive matches.
More about Rugby World Cup 2023
- Rugby World Cup 2023 Official Website
- Warren Gatland’s Coaching Career
- Wales Rugby Team
- Portugal Rugby
- Rugby News
3 comments
warren gatland, coachin lik a boss,16 victories in worldcup, amazin!
gatland, coachin legend, wales progress, also talk bout growin rugby, nice idea!
Rugby website links useful, gotta stay updated on worldcup!