Gatland ‘relishes the pressure’ with struggling Wales

Warren Gatland insists he is “relishing the pressure” even though Wales are on the brink of equalling their all-time record losing streak ahead of their November opener against Fiji in Cardiff on Sunday.

The veteran New Zealander’s second spell as Wales coach is proving markedly less successful than his first, with the side having lost their past nine Tests.

Defeat by Fiji at the Principality Stadium would mean Wales had lost 10 in a row for only the second time in their history.  

“Every loss is a bind,” Gatland told reporters on Friday after naming his team to play Fiji. “The bind is the pressure you guys (media) put on, not the pressure we have internally.

“We are comfortable with decisions we’ve made or I have pushed as head coach, decisions that are the best for Welsh rugby in terms of bringing this group of players forward and developing the youngsters that we’ve spoken about.”

He added: “I relish those challenges in terms of the pressure,” as he looks forward to November internationals against Fiji, Australia and world champions South Africa.

Gatland’s first stint as Wales coach, from 2007 to 2019, yielded four Six Nations titles, including three Grand Slams, and two appearances in World Cup semi-finals.

“There is no difference to the pressure you face in every game in international rugby,” said the 61-year-old former British and Irish Lions boss. 

“I’ve often said in the past there’s no in-between (separating) the ecstasy or agony. Hopefully, on Sunday, there is ecstasy rather than agony.”

New Zealand-born wing Blair Murray is set to make his Test debut for Wales following just six games for regional side Scarlets.

The 23-year-old is the latest young player to be given his chance at international level by Gatland as he looks to rebuild the Wales team following their quarter-final exit at last year’s World Cup.

“We’ve invested in youngsters and seen a huge amount of growth in them over the last 12 months,” he said.