GATLAND WARNS NO-HOLDS BARRED AS WALES TARGET RECORD
Wales coach Warren Gatland warned there would be no-holds barred when his team targets a record 12th consecutive Test victory in two week’s time after a sloppy 26-15 win over Italy in Rome on Saturday. Gatland’s side went top of the Six Nations table after away wins against France and Italy and next play England in Cardiff on February 23.
But the New Zealander conceded “sometimes you have to win ugly” after Welsh errors allowed the gritty Italians back into the game at the Stadio Olimpico.
“There will definitely be no lack of motivation in trying to beat England and break that record,” said the New Zealander.
“We’ve got a chance, we’re at home, the stadium will be full, it’ll be some atmosphere at the Principality Stadium.”
“If this group of players achieve that, it’ll be something nobody can take away from them.” Wales last achieved 11 consecutive victories in 1910.
Gatland made 10 changes to the side that beat the French in Paris and led 7-12 at the break thanks to four Dan Biggar penalties.
Josh Adams and Owen Watkin scored a pair of tries after the break but there were too many errors to push for a bonus-point win.
“You’re not always brilliant and we weren’t today. We will be a lot better against England,” said Gatland.
We’ve got a chance, we’re at home, the stadium will be full, it’ll be some atmosphere at the Principality Stadium
The Italians slumped to a 19th successive defeat in the championship, but emerged with some credit, scoring a try in each half and rattling the world number three team. “A lot of people criticise us but you have to give Italy credit,” said Gatland. “They’re a tough team to break down in Rome.
“That’s probably the best Italian performance I’ve seen since I’ve been in charge of Wales.”
Gatland tried an experimental Wales side with Jonathan Davies captaining the team for the first time. Gatland emptied his bench in the second half with regular skipper Alun Wyn Jones coming on late and his imposing presence provided a boost.
“I was looking at the bigger picture,” said Gatland, as he prepares for the World Cup in Japan.
“We want to have as good a World Cup as we can. That was the plan all along.
“If it was a normal year, on reflection, maybe we wouldn’t have made so many changes. We wanted to give everyone in the 31 an opportunity to be involved in the first two games.”