Don't blame Gatland, here's the real reason the Chiefs are 0-4
You would think the clown’s nose might be enough.
Sadly, there’s still an element out there who seek to lampoon and lambast Warren Gatland at every opportunity. To waffle on about ‘Warrenball’ and suggest Gatland is solely responsible for the Chiefs’ underwhelming results in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Let’s tackle the nose first. That was a disgrace, for which there is no defence.
It was embarrassing to try to cover those British & Irish Lions matches of 2017 and know what fools we all looked like.
Never mind the shameful precedent that had been set with Australia’s Michael Cheika the year before. There’s no excuse for international rugby coaches to receive that kind of media treatment, particularly in Gatland’s case.
The man was an All Black, whose contribution to the world game should be celebrated. Rugby is far, far better for Gatland’s involvement and he ought to be thanked for that, not mocked.
People like to think All Blacks fans are poor winners – let alone losers – and stunts like those Gatland and Cheika were subjected to only reinforce that view.
But, hey, the Chiefs are no good right now, so Gatland’s fair game again.
The Chiefs were fifth, with a game in hand over two of the teams ahead of them, when the real Super Rugby stopped for 2020. There was a regrettable loss to the Brumbies in there, before being pipped by the Hurricanes in a thriller but, all in all, the belief was that Gatland and company were travelling pretty well.
It’s nice to see Super Rugby’s Aotearoa incarnation, but it’s also (sorry Blues fans) entirely irrelevant. The matches are much-needed, from a variety of perspectives, but they’re really only exhibition games.
Next year, when the dust has settled and borders have hopefully re-opened, we’ll have a better understanding of the rugby landscape and where a Super competition might fit in.
In the meantime, you try winning with the tight five Gatland’s got.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCSNZMrAOjq/
Folk are forever trying to complicate rugby, but if your tight five are suspect and your set pieces are shaky, you will struggle to win.
The Chiefs don’t have the depth to absorb the losses of Atu Moli, Angus Ta’avao, Nathan Harris, Michael Allardice and Laghlan McWhannell. Or even Tyler Ardron, for that matter.
Those playing in their place are all perfectly adequate and, in one or two cases, actually quite good. But most wouldn’t be on the park if everyone was fit and that’s all there is to it.
Does that make Gatland useless? Have the Chiefs appointed a dope? Of course not.
The Chiefs have lost their Super Rugby Aotearoa matches by one point, 12 points, five points and seven points and if that’s proof that Warrenball – whatever that is anyway – is a failure, then I’ll eat my hat. Or at least wander round town with a clown’s nose on.
I genuinely don’t know what it is with Gatland and don’t understand why some people dislike him so much and so often seek to discredit him. Does everyone who coaches against the All Blacks end up being treated that way?
Some of this stuff seems peculiar to Gatland, with people determined to look for fault or signs he’s thin-skinned. Not only are we going to put a clown’s nose on you mate, we’re going to condemn you if you don’t like it.
Well, Gatland’s not a clown. He might have a tight five that aren’t particularly dominant, but he remains one of the finest and most successful coaches this country has ever produced.
It wouldn’t hurt people to remember that.
Comments on RugbyPass
I think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to comments