'Don't Black down' Gatland tells juniors
Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:44
Wales coach Warren Gatland has warned the country's Under-20 side not to show their opponents "too much respect" when they face New Zealand in the semifinals of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Junior World Championship on Wednesday.
New Zealander Gatland plans to be amongst the crowd when hosts Wales face the Junior All Blacks in the first semifinal at Rodney Parade, the home of senior Welsh club Newport.
And having just seen his Six Nations Grand Slam title-holders go down 2-0 in a Test series away to world champions South Africa, Gatland had a clear message for the Welsh youngsters.
"I would tell the players to go out and play with confidence against the Kiwis and put them under pressure.
"One thing we learned with the senior team in South Africa was that we initially gave the Springboks too much respect. You just can't do that in international rugby."
The former Ireland and Wasps coach added: "This is a great opportunity for these young players.
"It's a shop window for them to stake a claim for places in regional squads for next season and it will show how they can play at a high level."
The second semifinal, which also takes place Wednesday, at the Cardiff Arms Park, sees England up against South Africa.
AFP
