Warren Gatland says he is happy for Wales to be written off as title contenders after a tumultuous period ahead of the World Cup in France.
Gatland returned to Wales this season after Wayne Pivac was axed following a disappointing 2022 campaign, but the former British & Irish Lions boss has not inspired much of a turnaround in results less than a year on.
His comeback has been clouded by off-field drama, and has overseen just one win from four matches for the Welsh Dragons’ in the 2023 Six Nations.
In a Pool C with Eddie Jones’ Australia, a strong Fiji side, a Georgia team that slayed the Dragons in November and Portugal, the consensus is that Wales could struggle to exit their group, let alone challenge for the Webb Ellis Cup.
However, writing in his column for the Telegraph, Gatland said that is only driving him to prove the naysayers wrong.
“There seems to be a lot of negativity around Welsh rugby at the minute. I can understand that; it has been a tough few months on and off the field for everybody,” wrote Gatland.
“But, privately, it makes me smile. People can write us off all they want. Let me tell you, inside the camp the messaging is very different.
“Throughout my coaching career, I have always loved an against-the-odds challenge, from the first day when I became player-coach at Irish club side Galwegians at the age of just 26.
“We have had the advantage over some of our rivals by being able to start our training camps earlier. The players have been coming in, working hard and enjoying each other’s company. We are able to get on with our preparations under the radar.”
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