Wales in a good place – Gatland

Warren Gatland is happy for Wales to go into this season’s Six Nations Championship under the radar.

Wales are currently not mentioned in the same breath by pundits as countries like England, Ireland and Scotland, but Wales head coach Gatland said: “Long may that continue.”

England and Ireland have dominated the competition since Wales last won it in 2013, taking two titles each.

Wales’ autumn campagn – victories over South Africa and Georgia, but defeats to New Zealand and Australia – suggests they have ground to make up on their European rivals, although with players like Sam Warburton, George North, Liam Williams, Ross Moriarty and Justin Tipuric to potentially reappear in the selection mix they should not be discounted.

“We will do a review with the coaches in terms of the (autumn) campaign, and then start thinking about the Six Nations and planning for that,” Gatland said.

“With where all the teams are, it’s going to be one of the closest Six Nations for a long time.

“Given where we are in terms of the amount of injuries and the inexperience we put out (for the autumn Tests), I think we are in a good place. We have worked on the way we want to play and looked at some different combinations, so I am pleased where we are.

“We will hopefully get a few players back from injury to strengthen the squad up for the Six Nations.”

Wales ended their autumn series by claiming a third successive home victory over South Africa – but they made hard work of it.

New Zealand-born debutant Hadleigh Parkes (pictured), who only qualified for Wales on residency grounds just hours before kick-off, scored two firsthalf tries, while his midfield partner Scott Williams also touched down as the home side built an 18-point lead.

But the Springboks fought back to lead through touchdowns from Warrik Gelant, Handre Pollard and Jesse Kriel, before a Leigh Halfpenny penalty edged Wales home 24-22.