Gatland hits back at Irish critics as Wales seek to salvage season

Published on Friday 12 March 2010 23:04

WALES head coach Warren Gatland has dismissed Irish media criticism of him heading into today's RBS Six Nations clash at Croke Park.

One newspaper columnist labelled the former Ireland coach "as rational as a menopausal warthog", and then went on to fire a broadside at Welsh rugby fans and Cardiff as an international venue.

Those comments, and scathing remarks by another columnist – former Ireland lock Neil Francis – received widespread publicity in Wales this week.

But Gatland said: "It has to be taken with a pinch of salt, really. I thought if people were going to personally attack me, at least they might front up in person and say it to my face. That is why I turned up at the press conference today.

"If you look at anything I've ever said in the past, sometimes I've got myself in trouble because I have given an opinion or told the truth.

"But no way have I ever been personally critical or gone to the lows that one or two people did this week."

Gatland is far more concerned with reviving Wales' Six Nations campaign after defeats against England and France – either side of a thrilling injury-time victory over Scotland – ended any title ambitions.

Wales' one previous Croke Park visit in 2008 produced a patient 16-12 win, securing a Triple Crown triumph one week before clinching the championship and Grand Slam.

Mathematically, it is still possible for Wales to finish as runners-up this season, but conversely, they could find themselves in the wooden spoon mix with Italy and Scotland today week if Grand Slam title holders Ireland triumph.

Gatland added: "I think we are the only (Six Nations] team Ireland haven't beaten at Croke Park, and we would like to keep it that way if possible.

"The last two games between the teams have been very close.

"Ireland were in front at half-time two years ago, and last year it went down to the wire (in Cardiff] – either team could have won it.

"Ireland are very clinical, and when they get opportunities they tend to take them.

"When you have won a Grand Slam you are the top dog and everyone is gunning for you. People realise you are champions from the previous season.

"France were pretty motivated against Ireland in Paris a few weeks ago, and our challenge tomorrow is that we are against the Six Nations champions at Croke Park."

For Wales to have any chance, they must erase their reputation as notorious slow starters, having faced sizeable deficits – England (20-3), Scotland (21-9) and France (20-0) in all three of their Six Nations Tests this term.

"We need to make sure we are not behind," said Gatland.

"We've made it difficult for ourselves by conceding soft points, particularly in first halves, and having to chase the game a bit.

"If we get to half-time and the game is very close and very tight, we are confident we can perform and finish well in the second half.

"It doesn't matter who you are playing against, the Six Nations is a tough tournament.

"Winning away from home is always special, whether it is against Ireland, England, France, and that is what we are trying to do." Gatland, meanwhile, also paid another tribute to Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll, who will reach the 100-cap landmark this afternoon just a fortnight after his team-mate John Hayes achieved the feat.

"It's a fantastic achievement for Brian," Gatland continued.

"He's been a wonderful ambassador and a great player for Ireland over a number of years.

"I am sure it is going to be pretty emotional for him. We are going to try to spoil the party if we possibly can, but I will be one of the first people to congratulate him on his feat."

Gatland, as Ireland coach in 1999, handed O'Driscoll his Test debut, and he recalled: "We knew he was pretty special as a youngster.

"The instructions to him ahead of his first cap (against Australia in Brisbane] were just to go out there and enjoy himself. He definitely understands the game, and he's a very good leader as well. For any player to reach that milestone is a great achievement."