Gatland appeared a damaged man at instances through the latter phases of 2024 however has been publicly defiant earlier than this newest marketing campaign.
Pre-tournament feedback have included how he believes Wales can win the match, how he’s constructing “a siege mentality” and the way folks ought to write his aspect off “at their peril”.
He has additionally tried to heap stress on France by stating he hopes Wales “can catch them chilly” and highlighted the stress his reverse quantity Fabien Galthie faces to defeat Wales comfortably.
In 2019, Gatland mentioned if Wales beat France they might go on to win the Six Nations – precisely what occurred.
Six years in the past, you believed these swaggering sentiments. He additionally had the instruments at his disposal to again up his actions with phrases.
Now it feels the Gatland soundbites are the fitting issues to say however you wonder if he believes them himself.
Hypothesis is rife this can be his remaining match, no matter may occur over the following two months. Gatland has accepted change is probably going if indicators of enchancment aren’t proven through the Six Nations.
The 61-year-old has spoken himself about whether or not he wants the stress and whether or not he might simply retire to his seaside home in New Zealand and mirror on his memorable achievements within the recreation.
Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief govt Abi Tierney mentioned Gatland’s place had been “on the road” as a evaluation into the depressing autumn marketing campaign commenced earlier this season.
He was given the inexperienced mild to proceed with one other detailed evaluation deliberate after Wales end the match at house to England in mid-March.
There have been modifications to Gatland’s employees. In addition to scrum advisor Jones coming in, assault coach Alex King has left with Rob Howley taking on these obligations. How a lot that may affect occasions stays to be seen.
