No split loyalties for Gatland
Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:13
Wales' Kiwi coach Warren Gatland has insisted he has no split loyalties ahead of Saturday's Rugby Union International between the Welsh and the All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium.
Gatland, a former hooker, appeared 17 times for New Zealand without playing a Test. He also captained and made 140 appearances for Waikato, including a 38-10 win over the British and Irish Lions in 1993.
Before being named Wales coach in November 2007, he coached Irish region Connacht, Ireland, English club Wasps and Waikato, enjoying incredible success with the latter two.
But asked whether there was any clash of conflict coming up against his homeland, Gatland was adamant: "Absolutely not. I'm here, I'm passionate about this job.
"I've been welcomed by the Welsh, they've been fantastic in the last 12 months. At the moment, they've got me heart and soul.
"I'll be doing everything in my power and the players' to go out and get a result."
Gatland added that his previous coaching experience, notably with Waikato in the New Zealand Cup and Super 14 competition, had aided him in highlighting certain All Black players.
"I've been able to give players an insight into some players," the 45-year-old said.
"My experience with Waikato gives me a little bit of insight into individuals, and the gameplan and what they're trying to achieve."
Gatland added that James Hook would be named on the replacements' bench for Saturday's game, having trained on both Thursday and Friday in the wake of being subbed off in last weekend's 34-13 win over Canada with knee tendon problems.
"He was running alright today and pretty confident yesterday," the coach said. "We're confident he'll take up his position on the subs bench.
"We've got Dan (Biggar) with us and if Hook breaks down we can make the change later."
Gatland stressed that a good start was imperative against the All Blacks, who are seeking their 20th consecutive win over Wales - the last time the Welsh won was in 1953.
New Zealand have already beaten Scotland 32-6 and Ireland 22-6 in their attempt of a grand slam of the four Home Nations.
"Their top 15 are pretty strong," he said, adding that his counterpart Graham Henry had done a good job blooding some more inexperienced players on this tour, which finishes against England in Twickenham next weekend.
"I was impressed with their performance against Ireland. They could easily have scored more points. They looked very clinical.
"It's been a long time since Wales have beaten the All Blacks but as a team we're pretty ambitious about where we want to be.
"Twelve months after the disappointment of the World Cup (when Wales failed to make the quarter-finals after losing to Fiji), we've aimed to put the respect back into the shirt and the next goal is to start beating teams from the southern hemisphere.
"The only way of getting better is playing the best sides in the world."
Can 'Gats' get one over his homeland? Let us know what you think...
AFP
