Gatland taunts English ‘timebomb’
‘‘Look, we won’t be going out there trying to antagonise him, because that’s not in our make-up.’’ Warren Gatland, left, on Kyle Sinckler
Warren Gatland has stoked tensions ahead of Wales’ Six Nations clash with England tomorrow by questioning his opponents’ ability to cope with the pressure of a Grand Slam eliminator and Eddie Jones’ pre-test preparations.
In a wide-ranging broadside – delivered after Jones had attempted his own brand of mind games – the Wales coach:
❚ Called England prop Kyle Sinckler a ‘‘timebomb’’ whose temperament was suspect.
❚ Criticised the visitors’ travel plans and suggested a cavalry of Welsh farmers could block their route.
❚ Questioned the visiting pack’s experience in handling the intense atmosphere in the Principality Stadium.
❚ Expressed irritation at England being allowed to keep open the stadium roof.
It was a day when the Welsh team announcement turned into a decidedly edgy occasion, but it is Gatland’s comments regarding Sinckler which may most rile Jones and the England camp.
Gatland worked with the 25-yearold tighthead on the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand and was complimentary. Yet when asked about Sinckler’s combustible nature – he received a lecture from referee Nigel Owens two weeks ago after he petulantly smacked the scrum cap of French lock Arthur Iturria, and received a seven-week ban for gouging in 2017 – Gatland agreed it could prove an issue.
‘‘There is no doubt he’s a very good player, but there is a challenge with his temperament,’’ Gatland said. ‘‘He’s aware of it; other players are aware of it. We’ve already seen in the Six Nations he’s been involved in a couple of incidents. Emotionally, he can be a bit of a timebomb.
‘‘Look, we won’t be going out there trying to antagonise him, because that’s not in our make-up. Hopefully he goes out and has a good game and keeps his emotions in control, because that’s a big challenge for him.’’
In the absence of Mako Vunipola in the front row there will be more responsibility on Sinckler’s shoulders and Gatland believes the loose head’s injury has left England with a huge void.
‘‘He’s a massive loss – the biggest loss for them in terms of his workrate, set-piece, scrummaging, his carrying and his defence. But I think what they might miss most is his leadership. I don’t think people realise how vocal he is, how intuitive he is in reading the game.’’
It is this big-match nous that Gatland suspects Wales’ rivals might be lacking. ‘‘The big challenge for England is that for five of their forward pack, it’s the first time they are starting at the Principality Stadium. That’s going to be a new experience for them.’’
Gatland said he was astounded that Jones has decided his squad will not leave Surrey until after lunchtime today. The common practice is to travel two days before and Gatland has warned England they may encounter traffic problems at a renowned M4 blackspot.
‘‘I think England are making a mistake by travelling tomorrow,’’ Gatland said. ‘‘Coming through Newport at about 5pm is not the best thing to be doing, going through the Brynglas tunnels. There is a good chance there could be tractors and buses holding them up! That’s going to be an experience for them.’’
Gatland wore a big smile as he said it and was in a playful mood, shrugging off Jones’ claims that this could ‘‘be the greatest Welsh side of all time’’. Wales can break their record winning run by extending their streak to 12 games.
‘‘The only quotes I can see about this being the greatest Wales team are from Eddie Jones,’’ Gatland said. ‘‘I wouldn’t be disrespectful enough to say this was the greatest Welsh team ever. It’s a long way off. He’s the one talking us up.’’
However, Gatland is confident about his side’s ability to spring a surprise, as he named Gareth Davies and Gareth Anscombe as his halfbacks.
‘‘England have started extremely well in this competition,’’ he said. ‘‘But I don’t think anyone knows where we are at the moment, except for ourselves. I don’t think England know what team is going to turn up. We do.’’
Gatland is disappointed by England insisting on the roof being open. The forecast is for a dry, calm afternoon, but while Gatland insisted ‘‘we are not bothered’’ about the roof, he did express anger that the decision should be taken out of Wales’ hands in the Six Nations, given it is not in the autumn internationals.
‘‘I would be going to the Six Nations and banging my fists on the table,’’ he said.
Jones claimed this to ‘‘be the biggest match of the Welsh players’ lives’’. Gatland saw the humour in that. ‘‘Eddie’s taking the mick. It’s a big game, but it’s not the biggest game we’ve played in,’’ he said, while teeing up his final joke. ‘‘And it’s only England.’’