GATS FACING TOUGH CALLS FOR FRANCE
WALES coach Warren Gatland admits he faces some selection dilemmas for the final game of the Six Nations against France on Saturday in the wake of his much-changed side having recorded a 38-14 bonus point victory over Italy.
“It’s given me a lot of food for thought,” said Gatland.
“I was pleased with Owen Watkin. He just did his job and didn’t make any mistakes.
“I thought he was excellent. He has done really well for the break he has made, he has defended well.
“That is pleasing, seeing the development of a player we have had a lot of hope for in the past but has just unlucky with injuries and things.
“There will be discussion about the back-three and the back-row as well.
“Obviously Alun Wyn Jones will potentially come back into the side and we will discuss the make-up of the front-row.
“Part of the plan was to make changes, we knew that was taking a risk.
“We have come unstuck in the past making that many changes, so to get that scoreline was incredibly pleasing, especially as there were aspects of the game to improve on.
“With a couple of guys rested we can bring guys in after a six-day turnaround who will be a bit fresher.”
Looking at the threat posed by France, who have claimed back-toback wins over Italy and England, Gatland said: “I think they’ll be good.
“Their defence looks strong at the moment.
“It was good in the first game against Ireland. They were unlucky not to win that, and then they started well against Scotland.
“Probably conditioning and fitness-wise it cost them a little, but having a few more games under their belt, a win against Italy, they are showing some cohesion now having been together for a number of games. I thought they were exceptionally good against England.
“They have had a lot of things that have gone against them and even had to regroup in this championship with some players moving out of the squad.
“You have to take your hat off to Jacques Brunel in terms of the discipline he has brought into the squad. They played like that – they played with discipline against England. They were really direct with the way they played and deserved to win the match.
“It is going to be a tough game for us, we are pretty happy with the record we have had against France in the past and we know there is an opportunity for us to finish second in the championship which is pretty important for us.”
The French, meanwhile, have been hit by a major blow with the news talismanic skipper Guilhem Guirado has all but been ruled out of the game.
The Toulon hooker has been a key figure for Brunel’s side this season, with his work at the breakdown, tackle count and ball-carrying a feature for Les Bleus.
But the French skipper, so impressive on Saturday in the 22-16 win over England in Paris, suffered a blow to his right knee and is set to miss the Six Nations curtain-closer at the Principality Stadium.