Gatland challenge to Slam heroes

Apr 10 2008 by Gareth Griffiths, Western Mail

WARREN GATLAND has challenged his Grand Slam-winning Wales players to go to South Africa and earn the respect of the world champions in their own backyard.

The Welsh coach delivered his demand after new Springboks coach Pieter de Villiers caused a stir this week by stating he is more concerned with playing New Zealand this summer than facing Gatland’s men.

De Villiers believes that South Africa can comfortably cope with anything Shane Williams, Gavin Henson and co throw at them and he may even experiment with his team selection for the two June Tests.

But Gatland insisted he was not fazed by de Villiers’ comments and declared it was up to Wales to make the Springboks sit up and take notice.

“The key for us is to build on the Six Nations and go out there and gain some respect,” said Gatland, right. “We have to look to continue to improve on our Six Nations performances.”

He continued, “South Africa is going to be an extremely tough place to tour with games at the altitude. But, provided we can remain injury free in some positions, I would like to think we will pose them a reasonably good test ... and that is what I am looking forward to.

“Challenging ourselves against the best in the world and the southern hemisphere teams will improve us as a team.”

Gatland revealed the thrilling exploits of his Welsh team have been noted 12,000 miles away in his homeland.

“I’ve just had a break away in New Zealand and it was surprising how many people there came up to me and said well done on the Welsh performance,” admitted Gatland. “That was very nice to hear and shows how Wales’ achievements have been recognised across the rugby world.”

There are still reservations in South Africa, though, after de Villiers maintained the Pretoria and Bloemfontein Tests against Wales were not a priority for him this summer. Gatland played down any thought of a snub from de Villiers, maintaining, “I have no issues about his comments and I think he is right.

“The Tri-Nations is a major tournament and it has to be their focus. It is a very important competition for them and one which they will want to do well in. It is understandable they want to beat New Zealand and they will be using us a chance to rotate the squad and give them confidence.

“They will be looking at us as a warm-up for the Tri-Nations where they will be looking to continue building on the confidence of becoming World Cup winners. They will fancy themselves as beating Wales at home. But, with us winning the Six Nations, they will be aware of what we have to offer. We will give it a real go out there.”

Gatland remains hopeful his sidekick Shaun Edwards will join Wales on the plane to South Africa, even though the rugby league legend has yet to sign a new contract with the WRU.

Speculation continues to link Edwards with a role next to Martin Johnson in the England set-up and Gatland admitted, “It is up to Shaun to make a decision, but I would like to think he is pretty happy where he is at the moment.

“I don’t think things are too far away. I have tried not to make an issue out of this because I know him personally and we go back a fair way. I have spoken to Shaun a few times and I have told him, whatever decision he makes, I will back him.

“It is the first time he has been involved in international rugby and he enjoyed his time with Wales. He has learned and developed as a coach and I think he has enjoyed the set-up and the environment we have created.

“There has been a huge amount made of myself and Shaun, but you have to recognise the efforts of the whole coaching team. What is exciting me is that we have a tight-knit management team that I think is one of the best in world rugby.”

The Wales boss admitted he thinks Edwards will one day become part of the English coaching set-up.

“He is still a young coach and I am sure, when the time is right for him to become involved in England, that will happen a bit further down the road.”