Fifty-cap Gough happy to be Wales’ heartbeat

Mar 12 2008 South Wales Echo

IAN Gough cuts such a laid-back figure on the eve of his 50th cap, you could be forgiven for thinking the previous 49 had been a walk in the park.

But the relaxed demeanour of the Ospreys lock, set to reach the half-century milestone against France on Saturday, betrays an international career littered with more than its fair share of disappointments.

And the fact that Gough’s path to the 50-cap club has been far from straightforward means he is determined to savour the moment, before turning his attentions to a securing a second Grand Slam in four seasons.

“It’s going to be an amazing occasion,” said the 31-year-old, and one I never thought I would make.

“It’s something I’m sure I’ll relish, especially with the magnitude of the match itself.”

Warren Gatland has selected Gough to start all five Six Nations matches this year, a far cry from last November, when caretaker coach Nigel Davies omitted him from the squad to face South Africa.

Gough made his Welsh debut in the 96-12 defeat to South Africa in 1998, but missed out on the following year’s World Cup, and despite becoming a regular until 2002, was again overlooked for the 2003 World Cup.

He forced his way back into the Wales fold under Mike Ruddock and was a well-used replacement in the all-conquering 2005 side, and continued to figure throughout Gareth Jenkins’ reign before being cast aside for the Prince William Trophy.

“Yes, it’s been a rollercoaster,” said the Pontypool-born player.

“That’s why it’s been superb to get to this 50th cap.

“I’ve had a lot of downs, but the downs really make you appreciate the highs and being picked.

“It’s only when you have it taken away from you that you realise how much it means to you.

“It’s funny how things change so quickly.

“I remember Duncan Jones phoning me up to see if I wanted to lift-share with him to the St Bride’s Hotel for the South Africa game last November.

“I was mortified to say, ‘Well, no, sorry, mate – I’ve been dropped for this game, I’m not involved’.

“He was gutted, but that’s how rugby works. One week everything is fine, the next week the rug is pulled from under you.”

Determined not to miss out on the Gatland revolution, Gough got his head down and worked even harder to force his way into the New Zealanders plans.

“I knew it was going to be a big challenge to get back in and I was thinking, ‘I hope the new guy who comes in likes the way I play so I get another crack at it’.

“Luckily enough, I’ve had that crack.”

Since stepping onto the field at Twickenham in January and helping lay the foundations for an unexpected tilt at more Grand Slam glory, Gough has received glowing praise.

The way he played through the pain barrier after taking a heavy knock against Ireland and his consistently high-level of performance during this tournament moved assistant coach Rob Howley to describe him as the ‘heartbeat’ of the side.

On current form, few would argue.

He said: “Any praise is nice, but I’m keeping it real because I realise that after every game I’ve got to reassess how I play.

“There are still parts of my game I want to improve on – it’s like teaching an old dog new tricks.

“I played on at Croke Park because I was frightened of Shaun Edwards!

“His saying is something like, ‘If you’ve got legs and you can walk, you get back into the line’. He’s a guy you don’t want to upset, but I knew it was a stinger to my arm and I knew it would come back.”

A decade after his international bow, Gough is convinced the class of 2008 is on the verge of making their mark.

“It’s better than ever now,” he said.

“The boys are playing superbly well, we’re a very happy camp and we’re winning games, which is really important to us.

“We don’t underestimate anyone and France will be massive competition for us.”

With some fans convinced the Grand Slam is all but secured after the 16-12 win in Dublin, Gough is all too aware of the threat posed by the French.

“They’re always a bit up and down, but they can ignite the game whenever they want to,” he added.

“Some people have put question marks over the pack, but I’ve never come up against a weak French pack.

“They’re still in with a chance of the Championship – it’s not like they’re dead in the water.

“Some people may be talking as if we’ve already won the Grand Slam, but we’re nowhere near that yet.”

Gough’s Wales team-mate Tom Shanklin led the side out in his 50th appearance against Italy last month, and it’s an honour the 6ft 6ins lock is keen to experience.

“We haven’t really discussed it, as we’ve all been focused on Ireland and then looking forward to France.

“But it’s what’s happened before, and it would certainly be a nice way to mark the experience.”

simon.kendal.williams@mediawales.co.uk