Warren Gatland’s Focus: Making Wales a Formidable Force in Rugby World Cup 2023

In the world of rugby, where anticipation and excitement are soaring for the Rugby World Cup 2023, Warren Gatland, the charismatic coach of Wales, has made one thing abundantly clear: his priority is to make Wales “a bloody hard team to beat” in this prestigious tournament.

Gatland, known for his straightforward approach to the game, is not one to dwell on future possibilities. He’s a “here and now person,” as he puts it. With the Rugby World Cup 2023 in full swing, Gatland’s immediate focus is on the upcoming clash against Portugal at the Stade de Nice on Saturday, 16th September, with the kick-off set for 16:45 BST. The anticipation is palpable, and the coverage is extensive, from live radio broadcasts on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, and BBC Radio 5 Live to live text commentary on the Sport News Center website and app.

This game against Portugal presents a new-look Wales side led by Dewi Lake, with only Taulupe Faletau and Louis Rees-Zammit surviving from the victorious encounter against Fiji. Gatland’s philosophy is simple: “If we’re a hard team to beat, then things can happen for you.” He firmly believes that this Welsh team, despite the changes, is capable of achieving something special.

Wales started their campaign on a high note, securing the maximum five points in their opening game against Bordeaux. With Portugal being relatively new to the World Cup scene, Wales is the favorite going into this match. However, Gatland sees this as an opportunity for the new-look squad to “stake a claim” for their place in the team, especially with a challenging match against Australia looming in Pool C.

Gatland emphasizes that players need to know that a good performance in this game can earn them a spot for the crucial Australia match. It’s a make-or-break situation for many, and the pressure is on.

In terms of team selection, Gatland explains why Faletau retains his place, highlighting that he missed the World Cup warm-up games and tends to improve with more game time. As for Rees-Zammit, Gatland praises his recent form, calling him “fantastic in the last five or six weeks.”

Reflecting on their previous match against Fiji, Gatland acknowledges the talk about Fiji’s unluckiness but mentions that there were aspects of the game where Wales felt things were missed as well. The referees’ feedback has provided clarity, and the focus now is entirely on Portugal.

Portugal, who had to wait an extra week for their tournament opener, pose a similar challenge to Fiji, according to Gatland. They play an exciting brand of rugby, akin to Fiji’s style, making preparations quite similar. Gatland looks forward to another thrilling game of rugby, hoping to deliver an exciting spectacle for the fans.

The looming clash against Australia is already being dubbed the key game for Wales in progressing out of Pool C. Still, Gatland emphasizes the importance of taking one game at a time. He speaks passionately about the unity and dedication of the players, the honor of representing their country, and the importance of getting the basics right.

In conclusion, Warren Gatland’s approach for the Rugby World Cup 2023 is clear and resolute: Wales must be a formidable force that’s exceptionally hard to beat. With a focus on each game as it comes and a belief in the team’s ability, Gatland and Wales aim to make their mark on this tournament and, who knows, perhaps make it all the way to the final. The journey has just begun, and rugby fans are in for an exhilarating ride.

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More about Rugby World Cup 2023

• Rugby World Cup 2023 Official Website
• BBC Sport Rugby
• Warren Gatland – Wikipedia
• Stade de Nice – Official Website