Coach Warren Gatland is relying on some returning previous heads to guide his younger Wales squad within the Six Nations and create a siege mentality following a group file run of 12 defeats in a row that has plunged the nation’s rugby into disaster.
Gatland earlier this month conceded his job was on the road after a horror 2024 by which his aspect misplaced all 5 Six Nations matches and conceded 143 factors within the course of.
Issues won’t get simpler instantly with a visit to France for his or her 2025 opener on Jan. 31, earlier than one other away fixture in Italy eight days later. In between they are going to maintain a coaching camp in Good.
Wales host Eire and England in Cardiff, and in addition journey to Scotland of their different fixtures.
“There isn’t any expectation on us,” Gatland instructed reporters on Tuesday on the launch for this years competitors. “Individuals are writing us off, however I’ve mentioned this earlier than, you write us off at your peril.
“We’ve got to create some confidence and self-belief inside our group. We have to create a siege mentality.
“Because the World Cup we have now misplaced a number of expertise and once you herald kids, it takes a little bit of time.
“However the pleasing factor for this marketing campaign is we welcome again some expertise in [No. 8 Taulupe] Faletau, [winger] Josh Adams, [fullback] Liam Williams and [lock] Dafydd Jenkins.
“That provides just a little little bit of energy in depth again into the squad however seeing a number of the kids develop goes to be an actual optimistic as properly.”
Gatland is aware of begin is important for his aspect and is of the idea that regardless of Wales’ poor type, any opponent is beatable.
“It’s positively a event of [building] momentum and confidence. In the event you win a few video games early on, you may construct on that after which you may have an opportunity of doing exceptionally properly.
“What I feel is thrilling in regards to the Six Nations, and it has taken some time, is that each group is able to beating every other on the day in the event you get issues proper. It’s the strongest I’ve ever seen the competitors by way of the standard of gamers and groups.
“Some time in the past everybody would simply be speaking about France and England at the start of a 5 or Six Nations, and the others have been attempting to battle for the scraps. However now it’s not a straightforward event to win.”
Wales’ house matches may have the roof on the Principality Stadium closed, one thing Gatland has lengthy known as for. Beforehand away groups had a deciding vote, however Six Nations organisers have confirmed the roof will stay shut.
– Borthwick backs Itoje to guide England to subsequent Rugby World Cup
– Six Nations and Girls’s Six Nations: Full fixture record
– Six Nations historical past, winners record, extra
