Teary Wales boss Gatland backs his side to win Rugby World Cup in golden finale as Dragons boss
WARREN GATLAND believes Wales can be crowned world champions this year, after swatting Ireland aside to complete the Grand Slam in stunning style.
Wales replaced Ireland at No2 in the world rankings behind New Zealand, as twenty points from Gareth Anscombe and Hadleigh Parkes’ try made Gatland the first coach to secure THREE Grand Slams.
And Gatland admitted Wales now have to target a World Cup triumph in Japan later this year, after stretching their record run of victories to 14 in a row.
He said: “We have been trying to slip under the radar, but it’s going to be hard after this. All I can say is that if we play to our best, we have a chance of beating anybody.
“We feel like we’ve been one of the best teams in the tournament at the last two World Cups, and we’re in a better place now. So we’ve got to handle the expectation.
“When you’ve got a group of guys with so much character – and who would run through brick walls for you – you know you are in good shape.
“I’m just so proud of the players. It’s not about me, it’s about them. We spoke beforehand about playing for Wales and playing for your families as a whole and about the chance to create history.
“They can never take this away from them now.
Gatland, who will step down as Wales coach after the World Cup had to fight back tears as his team collected the Six Nations trophy.
And he took a swipe at England rival Eddie Jones, who claimed Wales were running out of steam as their Grand Slam decider approach.
He added: “I was a bit emotional because I know how much it means to everyone. It was a fantastic performance – and we didn’t look too tired, did we?
“Look, when I’m watching next year’s Six Nations on a sofa somewhere, I’ll definitely miss all this.
“Not just the wins but the fans, the bus ride to the stadium – and the celebrations.
“I’m proud that I’ve helped to put some respectability back into the team, and then guide them towards successes like this one.
“And I just hope they continue what we’ve started after I’ve gone.”
As the plaudits rained down on Gatland and his players, Grand Slam skipper Alun Wyn Jones was hailed as “the greatest Welsh player of all time” by fellow Dragons legend Jonathan Davies.
The giant lock also has three Grand Slams under his belt, becoming only the seventh member of an elite club that includes all-time greats Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies and JPR Williams.
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But they played in teams that overflowed with talent, and former Wales fly half Davies, now a BBC pundit, said Jones’ achievement in an age where Wales are no longer a dominant force put him top of the pile.
Davies said: “Alun Wyn has been immense this season, and you could make him man of the match every time he pulls on a Welsh shirt.
“I think after this he deserves to be recognised as the greatest Welsh player of all time. That’s just my opinion.”
Jones has now won 125 caps – and played in a record 63 Welsh victories – as well as taking his share of the knocks
He seemed embarrassed by Davies’ accolade, commenting: “I just feel fortunate to have been involved in these Grand Slams. Maybe I’m getting soft but it did feel extra special to share it with my kids.
“It’s just a mixture of pride and elation. As far as the World Cup is concerned we know we’re going to be walking around with a big target on our backs, but we’ve earned that.
“This winning run has been incredible, but when we do drop a game we’ll have to make sure we pick ourselves up and go again. And we’ll do that because this a special group of players.
“This Grand Slam hasn’t happened by accident. The confidence and self belief has filtered down from Gats and the other coaches. He has been successful everywhere he’s gone, and his record just speaks for itself.