Howley to lead down under

Rob Howley named Wales caretaker for summer Tests

Wales coach Warren Gatland will not travel to Australia this summer for the three-Test tour, with Rob Howley being named caretaker manager.
Gatland is recovering in New Zealand from a recent fall when he fractured both heels.

He will also miss the summer international against the Barbarians.
"Our priorities are clear and we have acted decisively to ensure absolute clarity in the weeks ahead," said WRU chief executive Roger Lewis.

Just read it. Little surprise but Gatts obviously suffered a nasty fall and it also gives Howley needed experience for when Gatts is away for the Lions. I think as long as Edwards is there it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

martyr_94 wrote:Just read it. Little surprise but Gatts obviously suffered a nasty fall and it also gives Howley needed experience for when Gatts is away for the Lions. I think as long as Edwards is there it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Huge problem IMO.

I felt Wales would win one game in Aus but the way its going i can't see that happening now.

I was optimistic about this tour, i'm now entering the pessimistic phase as injuries start to build up :/

It's a shame, but in truth if Wales had won the series then the Lions tour next year wouldn't have been that exciting.

HERSH wrote:It's a shame, but in truth if Wales had won the series then the Lions tour next year wouldn't have been that exciting.

Good point

To be honest I am not too sure how much of an issue the loss of Gatland will be. The players are most likely going to be the same players that were involved in the 6Ns. So they should know what they are doing anyway, and really shouldn't need to much input from the coaching team. The only issue will be how Howley makes replacements if things are not going well.

Also Howley will not really be doing it on his own, he will have McBryde (on paper the most successful welsh coach with 100% win record), and Edwards with him.

But what about all the injuries?

HERSH wrote:But what about all the injuries?

They are us getting in our excuses and trying to reduce the mocking form the other home nations if/when we lose

Being serious we are possibly missing our two front line centres (but Foxy may be fit), however Warburton should be back, and we still have the likes of Hook, S Williams, Beck to fill in the gaps.

That’s the spirit

Thank god we have more experience, strength and depth than we use to. Players and coaches.

Have Wales got more experiance?

Is Shane and Martyn Williams going then?

HERSH wrote:Have Wales got more experiance?

Is Shane and Martyn Williams going then?

Steve Jones was playing in the centre for the Scarlets last week, maybe the national team could take him. That would be extra experience

I felt Wales would win one game in Aus but the way its going i can't see that happening now.

No you didn't, be honest now

Howley, Edwards, McBryde and co. is still a competent coaching team. Gatland will undoubtedly be a loss but this should only be decisive if the players lose their nerve over it. And tbh I'd be surprised if Gats doesn't have at least a little input and advice to offer over the course of the tour.

I did, once Aus are 2-0 up they'll play their B'team hence the Welsh win.

Knowsit17 wrote:

I felt Wales would win one game in Aus but the way its going i can't see that happening now.

No you didn't, be honest now

Howley, Edwards, McBryde and co. is still a competent coaching team. Gatland will undoubtedly be a loss but this should only be decisive if the players lose their nerve over it. And tbh I'd be surprised if Gats doesn't have at least a little input and advice to offer over the course of the tour.

I am sure Gatland will be very helpfull.

Considering how England achieved a second place in the six nations with a much less experienced group of coaches I'm not overly worried.

We have great back up for Roberts, who is likely the only guy to definitely not make it.

Jonathan Davies could also be out.

HERSH wrote:Jonathan Davies could also be out.

We have Hook and Scott Williams to replace either both very good centrlres and the incredibly gifted Ashley Beck. My personal choice should we miss both JD2 and Roberts.

Not really a problem at all.

True, it won't be a problem until the Aussie's rip Wales a new one!

We've had to make do with the one we've had for some time now, nobody kind enough to rip us a new one in a while.

Or maybe they just can't

Evening guys (and HERSH).

I moving slightly away from optimistic to pessimistic now too. The injuries are piling up, if North or Cuthbert get cropped we are going to lose any chance of penetrating the Aus defence. I fear for us in the first test, I think that is where Aus will be at their best plus we will be missing Gatland the motivator. I can see an improvement if he has some sort of the role in the remaining tests.

I think we're lucky to get this capped baa-baa's game. Without that for prep we'd have no chance down under.

I agree with that

Beck has been in good form and Hook can always do a decent job at 13, remember the six nations game vs England and that tournament in general, he was superb. Scott Williams has been involved in the set up and JD2 isn't completely nailed on that he's out.

Bit of optimism guys, for once we have strength in depth unlike previous grand slam winning sides. Like I said if we can get our first choice forwards out (Although if Warbs doesn't make it Tupiric is more than a capable replacement) then we can beat the Aussies, I truly believe that. We still got people who can make something happen in the backs, keep the faith.

HERSH wrote:True, it won't be a problem until the Aussie's rip Wales a new one!

What makes you think the Aussies will "rip Wales a new one"...???

Home advantage.

Their players will be fresher than the Welsh lads.

Wales are only 5th in the IRB world rankings Aus are 2nd.

Wales have a history of poor results down-under, and against SH opposition.

Wales have more injuries, Warburton is still a doubt.

2nd season syndrome, it won't be like the RWC.

I could go on and on......

I wish you boys well but I just can't see it at the moment.

HERSH wrote:Home advantage.

That is why we go on tours test ourselves. Especially as we are in winning form having beaten all the NH has to offer.

HERSH wrote:Their players will be fresher than the Welsh lads.

True, but the will also have had less time together winning grandslams championships as you recently saw.

HERSH wrote:Wales are only 5th in the IRB world rankings Aus are 2nd.

England are forth, the Current IRB stats mean very little behind the ABs in pole.

HERSH wrote:Wales have a history of poor results down-under, and against SH opposition.

Young side about to change that. Past means nothing.

HERSH wrote:Wales have more injuries, Warburton is still a doubt.

Wales have one injury in a position they have plenty of strength in...

HERSH wrote:2nd season syndrome, it won't be like the RWC.

What a load of rubbish. Lets call the RWC first season and the six nations reinforcing that this is a very good welsh squad.

HERSH wrote:I could go on and on......

Please do, I cant wait to hear what other tripe you have on offer...

HERSH wrote:I wish you boys well but I just can't see it at the moment.

You never can see anything positive in Wales, it is rather grating your persistence in the matter and constant reminder that you feel as such.

That's true I can't wait to see you boyos brought back down to earth

The Aussie are hard to beat on their own patch and this Welsh team is only a couple of injuries away from the tour being nothing more than a bit of experience for the young guns in the squad, Maybe Wales should target the Baa baas game instead

5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th

HERSH wrote:

That's true I can't wait to see you boyos brought back down to earth

The Aussie are hard to beat on their own patch and this Welsh team is only a couple of injuries away from the tour being nothing more than a bit of experience for the young guns in the squad, Maybe Wales should target the Baa baas game instead

That has about as much truth as the quote below...

"Ex Pro Rugby player, Championship NL1 and Welsh Prem"

The rumour start already in some parts that Gatland will break apart from Wales already. This makes connection in my thought. A story of some holiday injury stopping the coach is not make a sense.

My mind is he have a good success and might knowledge about timing to say farewell. Wales make a good progress and is distant to see keep the group in the form until next world cup. I think Wales might already reach pinacle and now is some sliding downwards. Just my thought.

anotherworldofpain wrote:The rumour start already in some parts that Gatland will break apart from Wales already. This makes connection in my thought. A story of some holiday injury stopping the coach is not make a sense.

My mind is he have a good success and might knowledge about timing to say farewell. Wales make a good progress and is distant to see keep the group in the form until next world cup. I think Wales might already reach pinacle and now is some sliding downwards. Just my thought.

Don't understand that.

Morgannwg wrote:

anotherworldofpain wrote:The rumour start already in some parts that Gatland will break apart from Wales already. This makes connection in my thought. A story of some holiday injury stopping the coach is not make a sense.

My mind is he have a good success and might knowledge about timing to say farewell. Wales make a good progress and is distant to see keep the group in the form until next world cup. I think Wales might already reach pinacle and now is some sliding downwards. Just my thought.

Don't understand that.

I think he's saying that Gatland's days as Wales coach may be numbered. He's done a superb job but he probably feels that's about as far as he can go with the 6N winning side. Hence the step ladder was brought out from the shed. I think it's a very astute observation.

Rob Howley in charge.

Does this men that Howley will pick the players/team?

Or Will Gatland be the one to pick the players/ team?

The levels of illiteracy are increasing day by day on here...

I don't think Gatland is leaving. He has a four year contract. He just took the team to the semi finals of the RWC and a second GS under his tenure.

Unlucky injury, poor guy but I an sure come the tour he will have plenty of input, why wouldn't he?

He is famous for not being a "hands on coach" more of an organiser happy to stand back and make sure things are running to plan.

maestegmafia wrote:The levels of illiteracy are increasing day by day on here...

I don't think Gatland is leaving. He has a four year contract. He just took the team to the semi finals of the RWC and a second GS under his tenure.

Unlucky injury, poor guy but I an sure come the tour he will have plenty of input, why wouldn't he?

He is famous for not being a "hands on coach" more of an organiser happy to stand back and make sure things are running to plan.

But can't you see, Gatland clearly threw himself off that ladder

wales606 wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:The levels of illiteracy are increasing day by day on here...

I don't think Gatland is leaving. He has a four year contract. He just took the team to the semi finals of the RWC and a second GS under his tenure.

Unlucky injury, poor guy but I an sure come the tour he will have plenty of input, why wouldn't he?

He is famous for not being a "hands on coach" more of an organiser happy to stand back and make sure things are running to plan.

But can't you see, Gatland clearly threw himself off that ladder

Don't you see, its Gatland's infamous mind games again. Aussie team thinks Gatts is out of the tour, then only at kick off for him to run out onto the pitch skipping round, sending the Aussie team into a frenzie, frantically trying to change their game plan.

They wouldn't have expected this, clever boy Gatts

Gatland will still ultimately pick the team. This shouldnt make much difference. The welsh players are v well drilled and they are the ones who actually won the GS. If I was a Welsh fan, I'd be more concerned about player injuries than anything else. The manager sitting on his arse at home in NZ will have no effect on the redsults IMO.

Surely ferries from NZ to Australia are wheelchair accessible!?

martyr_94 wrote:

wales606 wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:The levels of illiteracy are increasing day by day on here...

I don't think Gatland is leaving. He has a four year contract. He just took the team to the semi finals of the RWC and a second GS under his tenure.

Unlucky injury, poor guy but I an sure come the tour he will have plenty of input, why wouldn't he?

He is famous for not being a "hands on coach" more of an organiser happy to stand back and make sure things are running to plan.

But can't you see, Gatland clearly threw himself off that ladder

Don't you see, its Gatland's infamous mind games again. Aussie team thinks Gatts is out of the tour, then only at kick off for him to run out onto the pitch skipping round, sending the Aussie team into a frenzie, frantically trying to change their game plan.

They wouldn't have expected this, clever boy Gatts

Any team would be surprised and very amused to see gatland run, let alone skip.

Hmf. That's a blow. I still think this Wales side are able to do well Down Under, but it doesn't make it any easier. Previous Welsh sides have imo had the beating of Australia, on a few occasions, and let it go though lack of self belief. This Welsh side seems to me to have got past that, but what effect will removing Gatland have? Handled well, it could even be an added incentive to the Welsh lads to give that bit more. If it gnaws at thei self belirf as a team, it's goodbye tour hello dmage limitation (again). However, on the bright side, it also means if the team does win anyway, the benefits in terms of self belief will be considerable. And I still think this Welsh side could, maybe even should, win the series.

(Fortunately, my words are very tasty and nutritious...)

Cowshot wrote:Hmf. That's a blow. I still think this Wales side are able to do well Down Under, but it doesn't make it any easier. Previous Welsh sides have imo had the beating of Australia, on a few occasions, and let it go though lack of self belief. This Welsh side seems to me to have got past that, but what effect will removing Gatland have? Handled well, it could even be an added incentive to the Welsh lads to give that bit more. If it gnaws at thei self belirf as a team, it's goodbye tour hello dmage limitation (again). However, on the bright side, it also means if the team does win anyway, the benefits in terms of self belief will be considerable. And I still think this Welsh side could, maybe even should, win the series.

(Fortunately, my words are very tasty and nutritious...)

Got to admire the confidence Cowshot, but this Welsh side have lost twice to Australia recently. Why do you think they should win a series (at least two Test's) in Oz? they have narrowly beaten Ireland and England away which is relatively impressive but hardly convincing victories. A grand slam is impressive, and Wales played some impressive rugby in the RWC but I dont see how that translates to them being possible favourites to win against Oz in Oz (assuming thats what you mean by "this Welsh side could, maybe even should, win the series."...

Repeated losses to a side cant solely be down to a lack of self belief. Surely there comes a time when one has to give credit to Oz as simply being the better team? Anyway, best of luck to Wales down South. They wont be a walkover for the Wallabies.

The Wallabies will probably be carrying their own share of injuries, even if it's just one or two absentees from their first XV. For now only Roberts is certain to miss out the whole thing, provided Warbs and Davies recover in time and Wales otherwise manage to remain relatively unravaged I'd still be very confident. Then again, the general consensus in Wales drawn from the WC and recent GS is that you can always be optimistic. Not only that but the boys are showing signs of being rid of that mental barrier that has obstructed for years and have shown a strong new resolve and level of consistency over the last year now. They've gotten results that would've been beyond them a couple of seasons back.

Yes, Gats is a firm motivational leader and his absence will be felt as stated already. But as I've said, he'll most probably still be there for input and advice to the coaches, if not the players too, over the course of the tour. That's one side of it, another is the fact that he's not one of a coaching staff, let alone one of a kind with his methods. It was emphasized in 08 that Shaun Edwards is just as intolerant towards underperformance and almost as vocal a leader. Not only that but Howley and co. will almost certainly have learned a thing or two from Gats these last 4 years and now is their chance to put it into practice.

Whatever the case, you can expect an admirable effort Down Under this time, one that will earn at least one test win. That is my prediction.

Can we just sort this out once and for all!

Gatts, Gats or Gat's?


"I don't think Gatland is leaving. He has a four year contract. He just took the team to the semi finals of the RWC"

and finished 4th!

HERSH wrote:Can we just sort this out once and for all!

Gatts, Gats or Gat's?


"I don't think Gatland is leaving. He has a four year contract. He just took the team to the semi finals of the RWC"

and finished 4th!

Higher than England

Not in the IRB rankings

Those stats don't lie.

HERSH wrote:Not in the IRB rankings

Those stats don't lie.

Absolutely, beaten you twice on the trot and grand slam champions. I'd take that over fourth any day

That still doesn't explain how they will beat Australia; who have beaten Wales twice on the trot, have a higher IRB ranking, are current Tri Nation champions and will be playing at home.

It's a tough ask for Wales... sure, it is possible they may win one match but all the stars will need to be aligned and they'll need to play with equal or more passion than they did in the recent 6N.

Howley taking charge shouldn't be that big a deal for the tour, he has been working with Gats for some time now and will still have the remainder of the coaching set up with him.

On the playing front a few injuries may knock our chances but will also give others a crack.

I am quietly confident that we can win at least one of the matches.

Linebreaker wrote:That still doesn't explain how they will beat Australia; who have beaten Wales twice on the trot, have a higher IRB ranking, are current Tri Nation champions and will be playing at home.

It's a tough ask for Wales... sure, it is possible they may win one match but all the stars will need to be aligned and they'll need to play with equal or more passion than they did in the recent 6N.

+1

Thats been my point, I can't see how Wales can win the series with the set of circumstances that have come their way in terms of injuries, negative tactics etc...

HERSH wrote:

Linebreaker wrote:That still doesn't explain how they will beat Australia; who have beaten Wales twice on the trot, have a higher IRB ranking, are current Tri Nation champions and will be playing at home.

It's a tough ask for Wales... sure, it is possible they may win one match but all the stars will need to be aligned and they'll need to play with equal or more passion than they did in the recent 6N.

+1

Thats been my point, I can't see how Wales can win the series with the set of circumstances that have come their way in terms of injuries, negative tactics etc...

Negative tactics? Jesus mate you are full of it.

Wales are improving, that's why there is plenty of reason to think that they will do well.