Warren Gatland is happy for Wales to go into the Six Nations under the radar.
Wales are not mentioned in the same breath by pundits as England, Ireland and Scotland, but Wales head coach Gatland said: “Long may that continue.”
England and Ireland have dominated the competition since Wales last won it in 2013, taking two titles each, with England targeting a tournament hat-trick this term.
Wales’ autumn campaign – victories over South Africa and Georgia, but defeats to New Zealand and Australia – suggests they have ground to make up on their European rivals, although with players like Sam Warburton, George North, Liam Williams, Ross Moriarty and Justin Tipuric to potentially reappear in the selection mix they should not be discounted.
“We will do a review with the coaches on Tuesday in terms of the (autumn) campaign, and then start thinking about the Six Nations and planning for that,” Gatland said.
“It is a competition, so you want to go out there and do your best. With where all the teams are, it’s going to be one of the closest Six Nations that we have had for a long time.
“A lot of people are talking up other teams, and long may that continue from our point of view.
“Given where we are in terms of the amount of injuries and the inexperience we put out (for the autumn Tests), I think we are in a good place at the moment.
“We will hopefully get a few players back from injury to strengthen the squad up for the Six Nations.”
DavSA
Guest
They did indeed Shana . I am probably just being a sore loser . They may however have done SA supporters a huge favour . A Bok win would almost certainly have cemented the coach until RWC 2019 . Now it is not that certain.
ukkiwi
Roar Rookie
Yes and ditch Italy - introduce promotion/relegation from a secondary competition. Scotland might just about feel secure enough now to vote for it.
ukkiwi
Roar Rookie
Agree with that Doc - they don't have enough to win but could have a major influence on the final outcome through an upset or two. Also, similarly to NZ, they have had to introduce players through injury who now have had a good crack at international rugby and as Steve Hansen said with regard to experience "that's money in the bank". good luck to them.
Alice Shana
Guest
Look Dav, I think they still did well to win it though?
DavSA
Guest
Wales are under the radar for good reason . They are among the weakest of the 6N teams. The win against the worst Bok team in living memory means zip.
Alice Shana
Guest
I reckon the 6 nations could use another team. Georgia has been going well. why not add them? Theyve been improving massively every year. But yeah, it will be hard to go past England for this 6 nations, they are impressive!
Kane
Guest
I think the AI showed that Wales weren't on par with some of the other teams. If they end up with a positive Win Loss ratio ill be surprised.
Old Bugger
Guest
I think Gatland, is being highly optimistic to suggest, Wales is flying under the radar. You must be seen to be flying above the radar in the first place, to warrant any suggestion that you are now flying, under the radar.
The Doc
Roar Guru
Nice read. It will b a very even 6 nations IMO. England probably look to have the goods based on 2 years of excellence but both Scotland and Ireland don't look too far away. Agree that wales could be a dark horse. Don't think they have enough to win but add in Owens, warburton, Davies, Williams and the team looks much stronger. Been good to see them develop depth - navidi looks good. S Evans, Amos all seem to be finding their feet.