Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WALES PLAN TO GIVE GAT A FINAL FLING
WALES are determined to give Warren Gatland the perfect send-off by ensuring their outgoing coach stays the distance in the World Cup.
The Dragons know a quarter-final defeat to France on Sunday will end Gatland’s trophy-laden 11 years in charge. But flanker Josh Navidi is confident Wales and the Kiwi (below) will be together for a little longer.
“Warren’s won many Six Nations championships and gone far in the World Cup in the past,” he said.
“He’s experienced 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 to have the send-off they deserve.
“Warren’s legacy speaks for itself. What we’ve achieved as a nation from the start of his time to where we are now is amazing. Hopefully we can continue this campaign now and keep pushing.”
Gatland’s experience and the talent he has at his disposal makes Wales favourites to beat France in Oita and extend their impressive record against Les Bleus, having lost just one of their last eight meetings.
But hooker Ken Owens warned: “There has only been one score in it in the last eight games we have played against France. They have been tough matches. We have confidence from our record, but it’s not arrogance.”
Wales are set to field a full-strength side against France. Centre Hadleigh Parkes missed training for the second straight day yesterday as he continues to nurse a sore shoulder. Midfield partner Jonathan Davies trained fully, but his left leg was heavily strapped.
Both backs, plus fly-half Dan Biggar and wings George North and Josh Adams, will start against France.
One dilemma for Gatland is who to pick in the back row out of Aaron Wainwright or Ross Moriarty.
“Everyone seems OK and it’s a huge week for us,” said Wales skills coach Neil Jenkins. “We either turn up or we are going home. It’s plain and simple.
“It will be incredibly sad to finally see Warren go, but it would be great if we could give him another fortnight in Japan.”