‘I’VE LOVED IT’
Howley is happy with Wales’ autumn, but knows they need to step up for Six Nations
R OB HOWLEY last night delcared he had loved every moment of the autumn campaign, but told his Wales players they have to go to another level to match England and Ireland in the Six Nations.
Howley’s men rounded off a stuttering four-match November programme by thumping a rookie South African team 27-13 at Principality Stadium.
The victory made it three wins out of four, following victories over Ar- gentina and Japan and a thrashing at the hands of Australia.
Wales have won seven out of the last eight games under Howley’s caretaker charge, but many fans have still been left underwhelmed by the often lacklustre performances in the past few weeks and that has led to plenty of flak flying the coach’s way.
While Wales have sometimes looked pedestrian and ponderous, England have appeared polished, while Ireland have grabbed momentous triumphs over New Zealand and the Wallabies.
Wales meet those two in Cardiff in the Six Nations, with away fixtures to Italy, Scotland and France.
And Howley admitted: “We will have to go to another level if we are going to get near to the likes of England and Ireland. It’s a challenge to look forward to.
“We play England and Ireland at home and that’s where we need to go to the next level. That’s what we spoke about in the changing room afterwards.”
Despite the criticism that has been directed at him from fans and pundits, Howley said: “I have loved every minute of it.
“I wouldn’t change the last five weeks for the world.
“I just love working with the players, love working with the coaches. It’s not a stressful job, it’s an enjoyable job.”
Of the victory, Wales’ biggest against the Springboks, he went on: “I’m delighted for the players.
“We said back at the hotel that if everyone could see the hard work and the endeavour and the attitude the players have given the national jersey in terms of training over the last five weeks, we would win every game.
“But the transfer from training, for whatever reason, hasn’t been to the standard that we expected.”
Many dismissed the new-look Springboks as the worst South African side in history.
But Howley insisted: “I thought they were a good team.”