Whether or not Gatland might be in cost for the opening Six Nations match towards France in Paris on 31 January, and even for the Springboks subsequent weekend, stays to be seen.
Even he admitted he was not sure and there was an air of resignation, blended with occasional bouts of defiance, about Gatland in his interviews after the Australia defeat.
The New Zealander stated he would settle for his departure if it was for the good thing about Welsh rugby and he revealed he had spoken with Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chair Richard Collier-Keywood and government director of rugby Nigel Walker within the Principality Stadium altering rooms following this newest humiliation.
Gatland’s statistics for his second stint as Wales head coach are surprising. He has overseen six wins and 17 losses from 23 Exams since changing Wayne Pivac in December 2022.
4 of these victories got here in final yr’s World Cup when Gatland led Wales to the quarter-finals earlier than defeat towards Argentina.
His aspect haven’t gained a Check match since. They completed backside of the Six Nations for the primary time in 21 years, misplaced at house to Italy and Fiji and slipped to a World Rugby rating low of eleventh.
Gatland was all the time at risk of damaging his legacy when returning to a job for which he was usually revered after his first stint in cost, one which yielded Grand Slams and World Cup semi-finals.
Now pondering whether or not he ought to keep or go, Gatland posed the query who may are available and substitute him, as he highlighted Welsh rugby’s flaws.
There isn’t any proof public opinion is totally towards Gatland, with the counter-argument asking what extra may he do with the youthful gamers at his disposal following the retirement of so lots of Wales’ skilled “golden era”.
This squad, led by a powerful captain in Dewi Lake, is stuffed with younger males proud to play for his or her nation – however they’re at the moment light-weight and novices on the worldwide stage.
So what would changing Gatland obtain and would a brand new face enhance issues?
Gatland’s critics will instantly put ahead a protracted record of candidates, naming Michael Cheika, Shaun Edwards, Brad Mooar, Tony Brown, Franco Smith and Pat Lam as various choices and there might be others.
Whether or not any of these people would enhance the flagging fortunes of Welsh rugby is up for debate.
