As the Coach of Wales, Warren Gatland had done no wrong. He took the reins of the team at the beginning of the 2008 Six Nations, and against all expectations and bookmaking odds, they not only won the title, but took the Grand Slam.
This was after a horrific 2007, where Wales had lost to Fiji and South Africa to scuttle their World Cup tilt, suffered their worst ever loss to England 62-5, and recorded 11 losses for the year.
For all the men that deserve the title of “the Great Redeemer” certainly Gatland does.
But a loss to France suddenly has this game looming as a danger match. Not that any Welshmen worth his salt would be uttering anything, but Cymru am byth. But after making nine changes and one positional switch after their loss in Paris, there are ugly murmurs about the Red Dragons.
This is a very good team, but there were two factors when assessing Wales that cast shadows. The first was that were they truly willing to fight hard? To win a battle of attrition, to win a game of rugby where it truly counted—at the all important contact area?
But did they have the character trait that differentiated a good team from a great team? The ability to switch their tactics, the facility to move from Plan A to Plan B?
Against France, both pretended to be true.
On the topic of omens, as they head to Rome, the last time Wales suffered back to back losses was in 2007, when they lost to France, and then Italy.
The reality is that Wales are a good team, but not so good that a loss to Italy is impossible. Many would argue this point based on the fact that Italy has conceded 100 points and 12 tries so far in this Six Nations.
But new Captain Alun-Wyn Jones is be nervous about the road to Rome, in two previous visits; the 44 capped Osprey’s lock was part of a Welsh side that suffered disbelieving losses in 2003 and again in 2007.
Despite the numerous changes, this is still a very potent looking Welsh team. Gavin Henson is recalled to the side and rounds off a backline dripping with natural genius.
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