Wales's latest crushing defeat against Fiji has prompted plenty of soul-searching. A record-equalling 10th straight loss, a first-ever defeat to the Fijians at home and not a single win throughout 2024 have raised the pressure on head coach Warren Gatland to boiling point.
Plenty of former Wales internationals have opted to stick the boot in, with Mike Phillips going on a furious social media rant demanding Gatland be sacked, Alex Cuthbert saying the coach’s job is on the line, Dan Biggar admitting Welsh rugby is at a crossroads and perhaps most damagingly, Jamie Roberts – who is also an independent non-executive director on the Welsh Rugby Union board – claiming they haven’t moved forward as a side at all. For good measure, Roberts and Gatland are now in a war of words over whether the former centre has been rebuked for his comments, given his involvement with the WRU.
However, ex-Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton – who is working as a TNT Sports pundit throughout the Autumn Nations Series – takes a different approach, believing Gatland needs more time to turn things around, with the end of the 2025 Six Nations serving as his judgment day, providing the remaining autumn games aren’t a complete disaster.
“If you give someone two years [Gatland retook the role as Wales head coach ahead of the 2023 Six Nations], I think that’s fair,” explained Warburton. “Two years sounds like a long time but that’s around 25 Tests and I think that’s a good number. You’ve had the boys for a good amount of time.
“Fiji was one week into the autumn, I’ve always said get to the end of the campaign before making a decision. I mean, if it’s disastrous over the next two weeks, then obviously you might have to re-evaluate that.
Esta historia es de la edición November 17, 2024 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November 17, 2024 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
LOSING MY RELIGION
Sara Maitland shares how the Bible - with its fabulous variety of genres - influenced her writing and self-understanding
It's not the end of the street for British soap operas - but they arrive at a crossroads
After 'Corrie' was usurped in Christmas Day ratings by a game show, Nick Hilton asks if soaps can adapt to survive
'I don't think anyone knows I've been in a Disney movie'
Harris Dickinson tells Adam White about filming graphic sex scenes with Nicole Kidman in provocative thriller 'Babygirl', and explains why he'd hate his looks to be his 'sole currency'
BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
The new-generation MG HS SUV is well equipped and offers terrific value - its arrival could make the genre even more popular than it already is, writes an impressed Sean O'Grady
It might be a stretch to say this will cure chronic pain
Many fitness fans have turned to trendy reformer pilates to give their health and body an overhaul,
Why men turning to Botox.no longer raises eyebrows
Cosmetic procedures are soaring in popularity and they’re not just the preserve of women as more men seek to turn the clock back. Helen Coffey investigates the brotox’ boom
Coach Murray is ready to face Djokovic's tantrums
Pair reunite on same side of the net at Australian Open
Amorim can learn from the Basque and his 'basket case'
Mikel Arteta's comprehensive rebuild at Arsenal provides a blueprint for what needs to be done at Manchester United
Villa spoil Potter's debut as Hammers lead snuffed out
Graham Potter’s spell as West Ham manager began with defeat as Aston Villa celebrated their 150th anniversary by fighting back to claim a 2-1 FA Cup third-round win.
Starmer must end taboo of highlighting harm of Brexit
Ignoring the reality of why the UK’s economy has been damaged makes it hard to move on
