“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.”
Denne historien er fra November 17, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra November 17, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
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.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
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.
