Wales v South Africa: Warren Gatland aims to continue Wales innings
There appear to be two schools of thought regarding Gatland’s future with Wales.
One view is that the game has evolved since he first became Wales’ most successful manager and his style has become outdated.
Former Wales captain Gwen Jones accused Gatland of “quitting” and said his “game is on”.
Conflicting views are that Gatland is still the man to turn Wales around, with no other manager able to deliver results under such inexperienced players.
Gatland this week insisted the team had public support which had helped it cope with the recent crisis.
Wales assistant Rob Howley calls his boss the best manager in the world and confidently declares he will not leave his role.
You might get that view from someone who has spent 20 years with Gatland Wasps, Wales and the British and Irish Lions, but it’s a view shared by others.
South Africa head coach Rassie Eramus and captain Siya Kolisi also offered external support.
Five years ago, Gatland nearly beat the Springboks in the World Cup semi-finals. In 2022, Wayne Pivac’s side became the first Welsh men’s side to win a Test match in South Africa.
Things have changed a lot, and today’s teams are far apart in depth and experience.
The Springboks made 963 appearances over 23 matchdays, while Wales made just 334, including only 61 internationals in the home starting seven at the back.
South Africa’s second-row duo Eben Etzebes and Franco Mostert have made 207 appearances between them, two more than the Wales starting XI.
