Gatland: We’ll be ready for World Cup
WALES coach Warren Gatland believes his men will be firing on all cylinders at the Rugby World Cup despite failing to get out of second gear against France.
He watched Wales labour to a 14-13 triumph to finish second in the Six Nations Championship and said: “Today wasn’t brilliant. We gave up a lot of turnovers but showed character to get the result.
“To be realistic we’ve exposed players to higher level during this Championship and heading into 2019 we will have more depth because of that.
“We’ll be in a very good place this time next year. The depth has put us in a good position and we’ll carry that on into the summer, we’re comfortable with where we are as a squad.”
Wales kept their unbeaten home record thanks to France outside-half Francois Trihn-Duc. The erratic 31-year-old made a mess of
fielding Scott Williams’ delicate kick through to gift Liam Williams the opening try after four minutes.
Gael Fickou got them back in it when he carved up the Wales defence to score at the posts, but Leigh Halfpenny’s boot kept the French at bay.
There was just a single point between the teams when Trinh-Duc lined up a kickable penalty with 10 minutes remaining, but he pushed it wide to hand Wales victory.
Gatland has blooded 17 new internationals since last summer’s victories over Tonga and Samoa in an attempt to expand his options.
He has found gems in Scarlets centre Hadleigh Parkes and industrious flanker Josh Navidi, as well as finally giving James Davies his chance.
This year’s end of season clashes with South Africa and Argentina present the Kiwi with another chance to assess his fringe players before the World Cup.
One man who will not be on the plane to the United States is talismanic captain Alun Wyn Jones after Gatland revealed a plan to keep his world-class lock in peak condition.
“He’s getting old so we have to look after him,” added Gatland. “He’s very important to us.
“We’ll look at whether we take Lions players. It’s always good to look at new players; the regions will benefit from their players being in the system and we will benefit from an international perspective.”
It is easy to forget Wales are still missing Lions Jonathan Davies, Rhys Webb and Sam Warburton.
Jake Ball is also sidelined with a shoulder injury while Taulupe Faletau and Ross Moriarty are recently returned from long-term layoffs so Gatland will have some tough calls to make in future.
Warburton said: “After watching that I’m desperate to get back. I’ll be fully fit in June and can’t wait for next season.”
France threw it away in Cardiff but head coach Brunel has no regrets.
“I don’t regret anything about the goal kickers,” he said. “If it wasn’t for a onepoint defeat to Ireland and the one point here, our position would have been very different.”