Gatland back at the are in a good place
WALES coach Warren Gatland is back in the Wales camp after returning from New Zealand following the death of his father.
And he was straight down to business, fronting yesterday’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Scotland.
He began by thanking well-wishers for the messages of support he has received after the sad news of his father’s loss.
“I would like to start off by saying a big thank you to all the messages of support I have had from last week,” Gatland said.
“There have been hundreds, and myself and my family appreciate it. It made a big difference.
“A big heartfelt thank you from myself and my family.”
Here’s the transcript of the press conference that followed.
Now that you are back, are you in total charge?
“I have been talking to both Robs over the last week.
“Rob Howley rang me on Sunday and we had a good conversation, we have been texting and emailing each other and talked about the side.
“Rob wanted to name the team to the players, so he named that on Monday so they knew early on in the week what the side was.
“We have been in communication, I have been getting the daily sheets every day and the GPS numbers have been sent through to me and stuff.
“Obviously, it was a tough week for myself, sometimes you can turn that into a positive and the positive is having to sort of adapt to a bit of adversity, get thrown in at the deep end in a situation they weren’t expecting and if we can handle that and be prepared for that.
“That makes it easier for when things happen in the future, things that you don’t expect don’t throw you.
“I know from looking at training, players have worked incredibly hard, there is some real competition within the squad, some real intensity at training. I think we have prepared really well and put ourselves in hopefully a good position to go out and put in a good performance on Saturday.”
What is the prop situation, is Samson Lee fit?
“HE has a bit of a hamstring injury at the moment and has had some continual back problems he had in the summer we are trying to rectify.
“It is a bit disappointing for Samson because he has worked really hard in terms of getting in shape.
“I thought some of the rugby he has been playing is the best he has had in a while
“From a fitness point of view he looks a lot leaner and mobile around the park.
“It was a disappointing end result a couple of weeks ago against Racing, but I watched him really closely throughout the game and he worked really hard and there were some real positives out of his own personal performance.
“It is disappointing that he is injured, but Dillon Lewis gets another chance and I was really pleased with him in the summer.
“I think he has a point to prove against someone like Danny Wilson (Scotland’s new forwards coach) who unfortunately did not rate Dillon that highly.
“So, there is a bit motivation in Dillon wanting to go out there and do well.”
What have you seen in Luke Morgan after just seven games of professional 15-a-side rugby?
“IT is giving him an opportunity really. He has come on and taken his opportunities for the Ospreys and he is scoring tries.
“Shaun Edwards has been really happy with the way he has defended as well.
There is a little bit of X-factor about him, so there is a bit of competition between him and Steff Evans.
“With the back three we just felt that given in the past we have been in a position where we have had some injuries whether it has been George (North) or Liam (Williams) .We are looking for a bit more depth and with Josh Adams being not available as well it just strengthens that position.
“It is a great chance and a great opportunity for him and we hope he makes the most of it on Saturday.”
What about the fly-half selection, Gareth Anscombe to start and Jarrod Evans on bench?
“POTENTIALLY, he (Jarrod) gets an opportunity. There is no doubt his form for the last year has been pretty