Wales have misplaced each Take a look at match of 2024 up to now and haven’t gone a whole calendar yr with no win since 1937, after they performed simply three matches.
That has prompted former gamers, reminiscent of Jamie Roberts, Mike Phillips and Tom Shanklin, to criticise Gatland and in some circumstances, query his future.
The pinnacle coach has tried to divert consideration from the gamers onto himself and Lake admits the problem is to stop a younger workforce retreating into their shells amid the load of expectation.
“We’ve spoken as a gaggle about nonetheless attempting to benefit from the second and enjoying with the shackles off,” stated Lake.
“However it’s tough as a result of you’ll be able to’t assist pondering if something goes flawed, that’s going to return again on me.
“There’s all the time an edge round camp with boys combating for locations and for each inch.
“Nothing has modified from our work from final week however we have to tighten up our self-discipline and be extra scientific.”
These have been recurring themes all through this depressing yr for Wales.
Within the 10 defeats up to now, half of these have been by eight factors or much less, which is one thing Wales are clinging onto, that they don’t seem to be that removed from turning the tables.
“We all know we’re a ok workforce to get outcomes. We will take confidence from wins like that over Australia on the World Cup and even the summer season,” stated Lake.
“Groups aren’t battering us. We have been one rating away from being on the suitable facet of the consequence, so we all know we’re shut.
“Groups have gone on shedding runs earlier than. In 2002-03, Wales went on the identical run after which 18 months later gained a Grand Slam.”
Proper now, Wales would simply take a win.
