Gatland hails Wales’ strength in reserve

WALES coach Warren Gatland says the strength of their bench played a major role in the narrow victory over Australia at the Principality Stadium yesterday, a win that provides a significant boost to his side ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Wales, who will meet Australia in their pool in Japan, ended a 13-game losing streak against the southern hemisphere team in an error-strewn armwrestle. The ability to bring in experience off the bench, like fly-half Dan Biggar and wing Liam Williams, gave Wales the impetus they needed in the closing stages, according to Gatland.

‘I said that was the strongest bench we’ve put out in my time in Wales,’ Gatland said. ‘I thought the bench was outstanding.’

Neither side created anything in the way of tryscoring opportunities as both defences stood firm. Unforced errors played a role too, as did the slow ball at the breakdown.

Wales’ victory might have been more comfortable had fullback Leigh Halfpenny, usually so dependable from the kicking tee, not missed two simple penalty opportunities, one from directly in front of the posts.

‘I never thought I’d see the day Leigh missed two easy kicks,’ Gatland said. ‘The pleasing aspect was that it didn’t affect his game and he came out in the second half and performed really well.’

Gatland also praised the decision to play Scotland as their opening November international opponents last weekend, which culminated in a 21-10 victory that gave them momentum going into the clash with Australia.

‘We’ve got good momentum at the moment. Seven wins in a row. It puts pressure on those taking the field.’

Next up for Wales is a meeting with Tonga on Saturday. Gatland suggested he might field a new team with a clash against South Africa to come the following week.