Criticism made me stronger – Gatland

WALES coach Warren Gatland believes the personal criticism he received during the Lions tour of his homeland has made him stronger as he prepares to lock horns with the All Blacks again on Saturday.

Gatland fronted Wales’ press conference at the Vale Resort yesterday and was in combative mood as he reflected on the events in New Zealand.

He admitted he is ready for more flak from the Kiwi media in the build-up to this weekend’s game at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, but insisted the rivalry between himself and All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has been stoked by the press and the pair will probably enjoy a beer together after the game.

“The Lions stuff has gone now,” he said. “I was a little bit surprised by it and that might have been me being naive – I had not expected that personal criticism right from day one.

“It was a good experience for me, it made me stronger, dig deeper, made me more resilient, want to fight harder in New Zealand as the Lions coach.

“I got mentally tougher. I kind of felt like I was in a boxing match and was going to come out on top of this.

“There was some pretty underhand stuff going on. There are one or two people I would like to get into a corner of a room on their own with me, but that might wait for another day.”

Gatland added: “What we achieved (drawn series) in New Zealand, on reflection, was absolutely outstanding. Yes, we had a bit of luck, I will hold my hand up to that. That has gone now and we should be proud of that achievement.

“The focus for me is on Wales and the next two years, blooding a group of players, giving them experience and building towards the World Cup.

“If there is criticism of me this week I won’t be responding to it, because there is no point, you cannot win.

“At some stage I will be dressed up as a clown again this week, I will just take it on the chin and move on.”

More Wales v New Zealand build-up: Pages 44-47