Wales fans turn on Warren Gatland following post-match interview

11/10/2024 03:32 PM

The heat is on Warren Gatland. As Wales suffered a 27-21 defeat to Fiji in Cardiff, they equaled the country's record losing streak of 10 consecutive Test matches—a nightmare scenario for the returning head coach.

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Gatland, who once worked miracles with Wales, now finds himself at the centre of fan backlash as questions about his ability to reverse the team’s fortunes intensify.

Caleb Muntz: Fiji’s Hero

Fiji's fly-half Caleb Muntz was the star of the show, racking up 19 points to lead the visitors to their first-ever win in Wales. Even with wing Semi Radradra receiving a first-half 20-minute red card for a dangerous tackle on full-back Cameron Winnett, Muntz's brilliance shone through. His kicking and a dazzling solo try left Wales chasing shadows.

Yellow Card Chaos

Discipline—or the lack of it—defined the first half. French referee Luc Ramos dished out yellow cards to Wales flanker Tommy Reffell and Fiji number eight Elia Canakaivata, adding to the chaos. Despite that, Wales held a slim 14-10 lead at the break, thanks to a try from new cap Blair Murray and a penalty try.

Gatland’s Gamble: Missed Chances

The second half was a rollercoaster. Fiji struck through centre Joshua Tuisova, and while replacement Ellis Bevan gave Welsh fans a glimmer of hope with a late try, Muntz's final kick extinguished any chance of a home comeback. Wales then squandered a last-minute opportunity, leaving Gatland visibly frustrated on the sidelines.

Fans Turn on Gatland

Fan patience with Gatland is wearing thin. One frustrated supporter lashed out, saying, "Gatland talking absolute shit in his post-match interview. Get rid." Another added, "Never go back," implying that Gatland's return has done more harm than good. Yet some still hold respect for the coach, acknowledging the challenge of facing a full-strength Fiji side.

Ian Hunt: "They've Done That Themselves"

Radio presenter Ian Hunt fired back at Gatland's claim that the media was creating pressure. Hunt emphasized that the narrative has been written by Wales themselves: "It doesn't need us to create any narrative. They've done that themselves by losing 10 in a row." With fans already delivering damning verdicts, the pressure cooker around Gatland shows no signs of cooling.

"Totally off colour, 2/10" – Five players who flopped in the second round of the Autumn Nations Series

From misfires in key moments to lacklustre displays, these five players certainly didn't leave their mark in the way fans were hoping. Let's take a closer look at who fell short this time around.

#1. Henry Slade (England)

Slade, as the backline's defensive captain, took heavy criticism for Australia’s success in navigating the blitz defense. While Rugby Pass mentioned the defensive responsibilities shifting to Joe El-Abd, Slade was expected to be the top defensive presence and fell short.

Telegraph 4/10: “As the defensive captain of the backline needs to bear responsibility for how easily Australia navigated the blitz.”

Rugby Pass 6/10: “Struggled in a defensive set-up that is now the remit of Joe El-Abd. Needed to be his team's best defending back but was unable to provide that reliability.”

Mail Online 5/10: “He is the man in charge of England’s blitz defence, but it was cut to ribbons far too often by some razor-sharp Australian attack.”

Planet Rugby 3/10: “That defence was an absolute shambles and Slade made so many bad decisions. Better with ball in hand

#2. Bundee Aki (Ireland)

Aki received mixed reviews for his performance. Rugby Pass gave him 3/10, citing errors like a misjudged pass and spilled ball, while he struggled in attack. Planet Rugby rated him 5/10, noting uncharacteristic mistakes but praising his toughness in carrying the ball, despite not being at his best.

Rugby Pass 3/10: "A totally off-colour performance from Aki. Opened his account with a poorly timed pass which went to the deck before inexplicably spilling a ball a few minutes later. One good run aside, the All Blacks had his number in attack, where he struggled to make a meaningful impact."

Planet Rugby 5/10: "A few uncharacteristic errors like dropping the ball cold as he looked up at the defence rather than keeping his eye on it. Still, he was tough to bring to the ground when he carried to the line but not at his box office best."

#3. Scott Cummings (Scotland)

The Glasgow lock's game unraveled after an early yellow card for a croc roll, later upgraded to red. Planet Rugby rated him 2/10, Rugby Pass 4/10, and The Scotsman 5/10, all highlighting his initial impact but emphasizing the harsh call that disrupted Scotland's momentum.

Planet Rugby 2/10: “Sent to the sin-bin for a croc roll, which was later upgraded to a red card.”

Rugby Pass: 4/10: “The Glasgow lock stole an early Springboks lineout to make a nuisance of himself but received a harsh yellow card in the 11th minute for what was deemed a croc-roll, just as Scotland had built up a head of steam, leading to a penalty being overturned. Cummings looked suitably bemused as he headed to the touchline, even moreso when his offence was upgraded to a 20-minute red card, to widespread disbelief.”

The Scotsman 5/10: “Started the game well with a lineout steal – but it went south thereafter, sin-binned for a croc-roll in the breakdown that was upgraded to a 20-minute red card on 12 minutes. Scotland camp thought the award was harsh.”

#4. Tommy Reffell (Wales)

Reffell’s performance was marked by a disappointing yellow card in the 13th minute for a dangerous tackle, which Fiji felt should have been upgraded to red. Despite a strong start, the yellow card disrupted his game, and he gave away a couple of penalties. He was substituted early in the second half for Jac Morgan.

Rugby Pass 4/10: “Not his best day at the office, despite a bright start. Reffell was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle in the 13th and he did not have the impact he would have hoped for once back on the pitch. Fiji certainly felt that his yellow card should have been upgraded to red and he gave away a couple of penalties before being replaced by Jac Morgan early in the second half.”

RUCK 5/10: “A clumsy yellow card costing Wales a try in the first half and cutting his playing minutes short. Was his usual formidable self at the ruck but the yellow card hampered any impact he could have on the game.”

#5. George Furbank (England)

Furbank’s performance lacked impact, with critics noting his quiet presence on the field. He didn't make the anticipated contributions in attack and failed to shut down Australia's two first-half tries in the same corner. Planet Rugby highlighted his overplaying, which led to errors and turnovers. He was replaced by George Ford, with Marcus Smith moving to full-back, after 18 minutes.

Mail Online 4.5/10: “Quiet. Didn’t necessarily do much wrong, but didn’t stand out either. Replaced by George Ford with Marcus Smith moving to full-back.”

Rugby Pass 4.5/10: “Didn't feature in attack as was hoped and it was disappointing that he didn't better shut the door defensively for Australia's two first half tries scored in the same corner. Sacrificed with 18 minutes remaining, with Smith switching to full-back.”

Planet Rugby 4/10: ” Was rightly heralded in July but Furbank was very poor on Sat

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