The Welsh believed in it, but the mirage did not hold. After a head and shoulders controlled group stage, Warren Gatland’s men returned home after a poor match against Argentina lost 29-17. This start to the World Cup, and especially the victory against Australia, had erased the approximations of recent months. Unfortunately, chasing the natural, it comes back at a gallop and it is clear, the ills of Welsh rugby are there.
Warren Gatland was recalled in disaster in December 2022, in place of Wayne Pivac after a tournament finished in 5th place, a defeat at home by Italy, then against Georgia a few months later. He will have created an illusion, allowing his players to mobilize and win matches. But when we look over the last 24 months, since the defeat against France at the Stade de France in the 2021 tournament, we have to admit, Welsh rugby is doing badly. Financial difficulties, quarrel between the federation and the provinces, and a game which has lost its luster, the reasons for the difficulties are numerous… Warren Gatland had a remarkable first mandate (2007-2019) with the fifteen of Leek: four victories in the Six Nations Tournament, including three Grand Slams, and two World Cup semi-finals (in 2011 and 2019). But his return was not enough to wake up Welsh rugby, stuck in a series of crises (only one victory in the Tournament). In June 2023 he spoke to the BBC: “When I arrived for the Six Nations I had no idea of everything that was going on and the problems with rugby, the team and the players. At the time, if I had known, I would have made a different decision and probably gone somewhere else. »
At the end of the match, he seemed to be suffering physically. “The Argentines played hard, they hung on and we must congratulate them,” he explained. They didn’t give up. We were perhaps not at our best level and we faced a team who knew how to seize every opportunity they had. We will have to learn from this and continue to improve and move forward. I am very proud of the work done by the players and the rest of the staff. We have made progress and we will have to ensure that we continue on this path. A lot of people were burying us before the tournament and didn’t even see us come out of the group.” Hired until 2027, the New Zealand strategist should accompany his protégés until the next World Cup in Australia. Questioned on this point, the coach took the subject as a joke. “It’s the same questions as Eddie Jones, right? I don’t know, you have to check with the federation. I want to continue, but it’s up to them. We have a young group and yes, the team can have ambitions for 2027. They are disappointed, but they will learn from it and continue to progress. Argentina kicked a lot and we couldn’t adapt. It’s up to us to see how we can progress. »
Beyond the case of its coach, a page is definitely turning this evening for Welsh rugby, with the last match in the red jersey of their star flyhalf Dan Biggar. After the retirement of second row and captain Alun Wyn Jones, a new Welsh rugby executive is hanging up his boots. “He’s a legend of Welsh rugby, he’s accomplished great things,” his coach responded. He made the decision to stop. But it will be an opportunity for the younger generation to join the team. Dan gave his all for Welsh rugby. He’s a real competitor, he wants to win everything. We must salute everything he has brought to this team over the years. »
Overall, it was an aging Wales XV that took part in this World Cup. Symbol of this Welsh difficulty in replacing these former glories, author of a contrasting match with 10 points scored in 10 minutes, Dan Biggar was unable to keep his team ahead in the score. Coming out in the 68th minute, his replacement, the young Sam Costelow, stood out for a pass directly into the hands of his opposite number Nicolas Sanchez, who sped into the goal and sealed the fate of the match . “I told him it happens in rugby, he shouldn’t dwell on it,” explains Warren Gatland. It’s a lesson, I don’t want him to hesitate, because it can happen to anyone, even experienced players. A lot of people didn’t expect to see us there. But the group worked hard to be here today. That’s what I said in the locker room. They are disappointed, but they must hold their heads up and be proud. From now on, we must continue to progress, especially as a great generation is emerging. They have to continue to work hard for this team to move forward. » Next meetings, February 3 against Scotland to launch the 6 nations tournament.
