Wales Rugby Training in Nice, France as they prepared for their 6 Nations game against Italy this weekend – Warren Gatland, Head Coach during training (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)
Warren Gatland, the head coach of Wales’ rugby team, has dismissed Dan Biggar’s assertion that the upcoming Six Nations match against Italy is the most significant game for Wales in two decades.
Despite a 13-match losing streak, Gatland refuted the claim made by Biggar following the 43-0 defeat to France last Friday.
The fly-half suggested that the outcome of the game in Rome could have serious implications for both the coaching staff and players’ futures.
However, Gatland disagreed, stating: “No, it doesn’t no,” when asked if the clash felt more important than previous Grand Slam deciders and World Cup semi-finals.
He added: “We’ve been in some close games and unfortunately we haven’t been able to get across the line. We know we are in a bit of a rebuilding phase so it’s definitely not the biggest game in Wales for the last 20 years.”
He acknowledged the importance of the match but emphasised the team’s determination to secure a win.
Wales coach Gatland has downplayed the significance of their upcoming match, stating, “That’s the most important thing. It’s definitely not the biggest game Wales have had in the last 20 years.”
Despite facing scrutiny over his position, the 61 year old remains unfazed by critics: “I don’t see any of the external pressure,” he remarked.
Gatland emphasised his approach to ignore the noise, “I try to stay away from that stuff so it is just about making sure we focus on ourselves. If you absorb yourself in that I don’t see it as being a positive.”
He also highlighted the mindset he instils in his team: “We are asking them to be positive and to have confidence and self belief. I look at every game at being really important.”
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