Gatland ready to call up new blood

WARREN Gatland says he’ll give Wales’ fringe players the chance to impress in the rest of the Six Nations after his team’s title hopes came to an end with a 37-27 defeat to Ireland in Dublin.

Wales were outscored five tries to three at the Aviva Stadium and their hopes of a first Championship win since 2013 have now ended.

Next up for Wales is a meeting with Italy before they face France in their final game. “We were the creators of our own demise,” Gatland said.

“In the first half we were unlucky with a couple of things, but we had spoken about discipline and not allowing them opportunities to get penalties.

“Our line defence wasn’t as good as it needed to be and it’s disappointing, but we’ve already spoken about needing to see some players in the squad

a game to see where they are at this level. Without making too many changes, we will look to develop the squad.”

Gatland’s big picture is next year’s World Cup, but the more immediate concern is that his team’s four-year run without silverware will now extend for another 12 months.

Gatland added: “I thought Ireland were outstanding. I have to apologise to Joe Schmidt if I upset him a couple of years ago by being critical of the way they played. I thought they moved the ball brilliantly and they were so exciting.

“We were 13-5 up with 38 minutes on the clock and we couldn’t manage that period to half-time, which was disappointing. But we just kept playing and scored some great tries. Even with that last play, if the ball goes to Justin Tipuric then it’s a three on one and you potentially win the game.

“Italy have definitely improved from a conditioning point of view, they stay in the game for a reasonable period. You’ve got to be patient against them and be clinical with chances.”

Ireland remain on course for a Grand Slam. This was their third straight win, but head coach Schmidt was staying cool on the prospect of a clean sweep.

“We expected a tight tussle and that’s what we got,” he said. “The most frustrating thing for us was that at 22-13 we let Wales work their way back in.

“Wales scored some nice tries and played well, but we can do a lot better with our defending. When you make some personnel changes sometimes you become a little bit disconnected in defence and that’s what happened. The way we defended is a concern with Scotland in mind because they have some dangerous runners, but we helped Wales a little bit and I think we can repair a lot of those things next week.”

Ireland captain Rory Best said: “We will look back at a game where at times we produced some of the best attacking rugby we’ve played this season, but also there were other times where we became too narrow in defence and Wales capitalised. We have shown we are adaptable and we know we can win games in whatever way we need to.”