“I haven’t really been in this situation too much before in terms of doing that,” he replied.
Gatland is certainly in uncharted international waters personally and will be cast adrift as the Wales coach with the worst ever run if Australia consign him to an 11th straight Test defeat at the Principality Stadium today.
The latest loss at home to Fiji last weekend saw the heat turned up still further on the New Zealander amid widespread criticism, including strong comments from his former players Mike Phillips and Jamie Roberts.
Gatland said: “I’ve never been critical of anyone having an opinion. I encourage people to have an opinion. That’s always healthy for the sport. Criticism is part of the job and the role. Just keep writing about me and leave the players alone.”
He added: “Am I happy with where we are at the moment? No. Is there pressure? Yeah. But do I believe in what we are doing? 100 per cent.
“The conviction is there and that probably takes away some of the noise that is coming towards us.
“We are not throwing in the towel in any way. We will keep working hard as players and coaches and hopefully the tide turns pretty soon.”
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 17, 2024 من The Rugby Paper.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 17, 2024 من The Rugby Paper.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
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YOUNG GUNS
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The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
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A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
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McParland keen to shine for England A
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Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
