An evening with Warren Gatland

[the other bob wilson]

Went to see him at The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury tonight. He was certainly candid at times particularly in regard to the make up of the squad for the Rugby World Cup squad which looks like an 18/13 split between forwards and backs.

The back row is where the stiffest competition arises and of the likely five back rowers to go he mentioned Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric, Ross Moriarty and interestingly Aaron Wainwright. He spoke in glowing terms of Wainwright. He then said that with Ellis Jenkins still out injured three players were vying for the final place. Those being James Davies, Aaron Shingler and Taulupe Faletau. So Faletau is far from certain of his place.

He also hoped that if one of his scrum half’s gets injured he hopes common senses applies and he is allowed to call up Rhys Webb.

I asked him a question about the four warm up games against England and Ireland which I think is too intense and could result in a number of injuries. He agreed and felt three games would have been better but that money talks.

Surely a fully fit Faletau has to go?

[Pearcey3]

Surely a fully fit Faletau has to go?

I think he will but he is no longer a guaranteed starter having barely played last season. He wasn’t really missed. If Ellis Jenkins was fit he would really struggle to make the squad. The one player Gatland singled out from the current squad was Aaron Wainwright. He was really effusive about him.

[blue lewj]

I think he will but he is no longer a guaranteed starter having barely played last season. He wasn’t really missed. If Ellis Jenkins was fit he would really struggle to make the squad. The one player Gatland singled out from the current squad was Aaron Wainwright. He was really effusive about him.

Pearcey, do you have a team?

London Irish given that they play at the Madejski?

[Pearcey3]

Pearcey, do you have a team?

London Irish given that they play at the Madejski?

I used to support The Celtic Warriors because my dad’s family are from the Bridgend area. Since then I just like to see any of the regions do well.

[Harry Paget Flashman]

I think he will but he is no longer a guaranteed starter having barely played last season. He wasn’t really missed. If Ellis Jenkins was fit he would really struggle to make the squad. The one player Gatland singled out from the current squad was Aaron Wainwright. He was really effusive about him.

Ellis is my bolter for Lions captaincy.

[Pearcey3]

Ellis is my bolter for Lions captaincy.

I think he’s brilliant and it’s such a shame that he picked up that injury against the Boks. Next in line to take over from AWJ so Lions skipper? Why not.