WALES HEROES FULL OF PRAISE FOR ‘MR MOTIVATOR’ GATLAND

WILL KELLEHER

WARREN GATLAND was hailed as Wales’ Mr Motivator after inspiring them to their first World Cup win over Australia in 32 years. The Welsh 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 now top Pool D and are set to avoid England in the quarter-finals if Eddie Jones’ men claim first place in their group. England are now likely to face Australia in the last eight. With Fiji to come in nine days’ time and Uruguay four days after that, the Wales players said head coach Gatland gives them a hard edge in the biggest Tests. ‘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 great job in getting us motivated and ready for games. I am glad we could repay some faith from the coaches. ‘We had belief from day one, even before we stepped on the field.’ And Patchell — who has endured a tough 18 months, suffering four concussions and a harrowing day at the hands of England in the 2018 Six Nations — bigged up his boss. ‘He is awesome,’ the fly-half said of Gatland, who is in his last tournament with Wales after 11 years in charge. ‘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 says 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 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. Jones 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 made out of it!’ Gatland let his players toast a fine victory in Tokyo last night but refused to get carried away. ‘I said to the boys that I’d like to see them celebrate,’ he said. ‘It was a tough game and a great win. ‘It was a typical Wales v Australia clash. It went right to the wire. ‘I thought our players showed some great composure. This is a squad that has grown up in terms of their game management. ‘I want the guys to look after themselves but they deserve to pat each other on the back and say well done.’