WALES HAIL ‘MR MOTIVATOR’
Warren Gatland was hailed as Wales’s Mr Motivator after inspiring them to their first World Cup win over Australia in 32 years.
Wales almost fell victim to the biggest comeback in the competition’s history, with Australia going from 26-8 down to one point behind, only for Rhys Patchell — who had come on for the concussed Dan Biggar in the first half — to hit a late penalty and secure victory.
Gatland’s men top Pool D and are set to avoid England in the quarter-finals if Eddie Jones’s side claim first place in their group. Australia are most likely to be England’s last-eight opponents. Wales’ stars believe head coach Gatland gives them their hard edge.
“He is a motivator,” said wing Josh Adams. “He talks when he has to — doesn’t talk too much. Sometimes you wonder what he’s going to say and he doesn’t say anything.
“That works and he always fills you with confidence, makes you believe. He does a fantastic job in getting us motivated and ready for games.
“I am glad we could repay some faith in the coaches. We had belief from day one, before we even stepped on the field.”
Patchell, who has endured a tough 18 months, suffering four concussions and a harrowing day at the hands of England back in the 2018 Six Nations, also praised his boss.
“He is awesome,” the fly-half said of Gatland, who is in his last tournament with Wales after 11 years as head coach.
“He understands when players need their tyres pumped up and when we need a bit of stick. He’s been great with me.
“He gives us a lot of belief, and that you wouldn’t be picked if you couldn’t do your job. I have to say all the staff have been fantastic with me off the back of what was a difficult last year.
“I am delighted to be here and contribute to what was a great team performance today.”
Wales sealed their win with a kiss, as George North puckered up with captain Alun Wyn Jones — on his record 130th Wales appearance — after full-time on the field.
Jones later joked: ‘I think his wife is safe, put it that way! We were excited at the end and you share those moments with players. Not always like that, though!
“I’m sure there will be some memes (viral internet jokes) made out of it!”
Gatland let his players toast a fine victory on Sunday night but refused to get carried away.
“I said to the boys that I would like to see them celebrate tonight,” he said.
“They deserve to celebrate. It was a tough game and a great win. It was a typical Wales-Australia clash.
“It went right to the wire. I thought our players showed some great composure. I think this is a squad that has grown up in terms of their game management.
“That’s improved significantly. But we’ve only won two games and we need to make sure we do a job in the other games.”
Wales play the Flying Fijians next on October 9 and Uruguay four days later.