Wales are far from ready for Gatland send-off just yet
WALES are out to give Warren Gatland the perfect send-off by reaching theWorld Cup final.
The Dragons know a quarter-final defeat by France on Sunday will end Gatland’s trophy-laden 11 years as head coach.
But flanker Josh Navidi is confident Wales and Gatland, below, will be together for a little longer.
Navidi said: “Warren has been around for a long time. He’s won many Six Nations Championships and gone far in the World Cup. So I’m sure he’ll have us ready.
“He gives us confidence because we know he’s been there and done it before. We want the coaches to finish on a high and have the send-off they deserve.
“Warren’s legacy speaks for itself with the Grand Slams he’s won.What we’ve achieved as a nation from the start of his time is amazing.
“Hopefully we can continue this campaign.”
Gatland’s experience and the talent he has at his disposal makes Wales dangerous.
They are favourites to extend their impressive record against France, having lost just one of their past eight meetings.
Wales hooker Ken Owens said: “There has been only one score in it in those eight games. They have been tough matches, as they always are.
“We have confidence from our record against them, but it’s not arrogance as we know how good they are.
“They have proved that against us in the past.”
Wales are set to be at full strength. Centre Hadleigh Parkes missed training for the second straight day yesterday with a sore shoulder.
Midfield partner Jonathan Davies trained fully, but his left leg was heavily strapped.
Both will start against France, as will fly-half Dan Biggar and wings George North and Josh Adams.
Wales skills coach Neil Jenkins said: “Everyone seems OK and it’s a huge week for us.
“We either turn up or we are going home.
“Last time we played France in aWorld Cup in 2011 they turned us over in a semi-final.
“It will be a tough game and a tight one. It does not get much bigger. It’s why we play the game.
“Warren is not just an incredible coach, he is an incredible person. He brings so much to this environment.
“It will be incredibly sad to see him go, but it would be nice if we could give ourselves another fortnight in Japan.”