Welsh stars warned: No slacking or you’re out!
WARREN Gatland has launched a ‘ rocket’ at his Wales players by threatening to drop anyone who shows a dip in body language ahead of tomorrow’s Pool A match against Fiji.
After their victory over England, Wales’s preparations have focused on mindset to avoid a below-par performance against the Pacific Islanders. With a casualty list nearing double figures, Gatland is desperately short on reinforcements but has warned his thinning squad not to rest on their laurels.
‘They got a bit of a rocket when we named the team,’ said Gatland. ‘I said if I see that anyone’s body language is not right, then I’ll change them tomorrow. Sometimes the challenge is not the physical one but the mental one. Our job as coaches is to make sure the players are mentally right.’
Having been underdogs at Twickenham on Saturday, Wales are now favourites to move to the top of Pool A with a victory over Fiji. The Kiwi coach has named his strongest available XV, but told his players in no uncertain terms about the dangers of dropping the intensity.
‘Warren said he would be looking at GPS numbers to see how hard we were running and watching our body language,’ said flanker Dan Lydiate. ‘If anyone walks around the pitch, taking it easy, he said they will suffer the consequences. He said if anyone was brave enough to test that theory, go ahead.
‘I don’t think anyone will be on their phone in meetings! You sprint from drill to drill, rather than walk. If we are talking about something, we talk about it on the run, rather than having a cup of tea and a five-minute chat. It’s that sort of mindset.’
Wales made three injuryenforced changes, with Tyler Morgan, Alex Cuthbert and Matthew Morgan coming in for Scott Williams, Hallam Amos and Liam Williams. Gatland was doing karaoke on the coach back from Twickenham on Saturday night, but it will be Lydiate and No 8 Toby Faletau on the microphone after their 50th Tests at the Millennium Stadium.
‘It’s a tradition to sing after the game,’ said Lydiate. ‘I will be on my iPod tonight. I doubt if Toby will do it. I’ve never heard him sing so he could have a voice like an angel. I don’t think a duet has been done before!’
With just a five-day turnaround, Wales have had little time for planning. Gatland replicated the scenario by scheduling just one day’s training and a captain’s run before the warm-up Test against Ireland, although it is an area he wants addressed for the 2019 World Cup.
‘It’s a tough tournament isn’t it?’ said Gatland. ‘We’ve got guys who are still battered and bruised. Four or five-day turnarounds are too short. We’re not complaining as we’ve known about it a long time and prepared for it. It’s a pretty brutal game at the moment with the contact levels. It’s important we look after the players’ welfare.’
FIJI: Talebula; Nagusa, Goneva, Botia, Tikoirotuma; Volavola, Kenatale; Maafu, Koto, Saulo; Cavubati, Nakarawa; Waqaniburotu, Talei, Qera (capt).