Wales take on France tonight (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Warren Gatland has a two-edged sword to brandish at the World Cup semi against France at Eden Park tonight. And the Kiwi coach of Wales means business. Firstly, to take the men-in-scarlet into their first RWC final, and hopefully to beat the All Blacks in the decider on October 23.
The business is big: Gatland has one last hurrah to honour to himself, and that’s to coach the All Blacks.
Win or lose, incumbent Graham Henry will call it quits after this RWC, and lining up for the job will be his two assistant coaches: Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith.
But the 48-year-old Gatland has the runs on the board.
Coach of Ireland from 1998 to 2001, and Wales since 2007, Gatland has mixed his international coaching with stints at Galwegians, Thames Valley, Connacht, London Wasps, and Waikato.
But it’s Wales where he’s been most successful.
In 2008, Wales beat England for the first time Twickenham since 1988, and went on to clinch their tenth Grand Slam, exactly 100 years after their first.
His squad has played some superb rugby at this RWC, none more so than dispensing with Ireland in the quarters
Tonight will be Gatland’s litmus test, depending on which French team turns up to play. If it’s the “A” side, it will be a battle royale; if it’s the rabble side, a romp in the park for the Welshmen.
The key will be the half-backs – Mike Phillips for Wales, and Dimitri Yachvili for France, two magnificent footballers.
Phillips destroyed Ireland, Yachvili likewise to England, with the added bonus of being a reliable goal-kicker.
Wales’ back three are also formidable: full-back Leigh Halfpenny, with wingers George North, just 19, and the brilliant Shane Williams.
So too the Welsh skipper-flanker Sam Warburton, only 23, and a Gatland punt that has worked a treat.
For France, it’s up-front where they can create some damage, with Julian Bonnaire and the seemingly indestructible Imanol Harinordoquy both 80-minute players.
Both sides are fortunate the ref will be Irishman Alain Rolland, a northern hemisphere whistler controlling two northern hemisphere sides.
But I reckon it will be Warren Gatland’s night. There’s so much stake.
Justin Harrison was absolutely loving this. The ex-Wallaby got his hands on footage of Stephen Larkham playing some fourth-grade rugby and used it to…
Have to take what you can get as a back! Rob Valetini earnt the bragging rights as the Brumbies beat the Drua 28-20.
They were made to play until the last whistle, but the ACT Brumbies held on to post an important 28-20 win over the Fijian…
Cheeky from Tom. Luke Reimer had a game-saving impact off the bench for the Brumbies, and Samuela Tawake wanted a piece of him on…
Queensland Reds winger Tim Ryan has had a fantastic fortnight, scoring a hat-trick against the Blues and then a double against the Crusaders. The…
Despite losing the possession battle, the Brumbies still led 21-10 at half-time over the Drua thanks to a Len Ikitau double.
