Former Welsh captain Gwyn Jones criticises Warren Gatland
Former Welsh captain Gwyn Jones has criticised Warren Gatland and his coaching staff after they berated a number of players publicly following the team’s 16-16 draw with Fiji on Friday 19 November.
Gatland criticised the performance of his players, but he was particularly scathing in his assessment of Ryan Jones' efforts, who was stripped of the captaincy.
"In taking the captaincy away [Gatland] created a scapegoat, avoiding criticism he himself deserves. [Gatland deserves criticism] because of Wales' terrible recent record during a week where they have to prepare to take on the All Blacks, where they should
be pulling in the same direction for the biggest challenge,” Jones told the BBC.
The former Welsh international also believes that other members of the Welsh management team were wrong to come out and name individuals for their poor displaces.
Assistant coach Rob Howley singled out the new half-back pairing of Richie Rees and Dan Biggar for their performances, while defensive coach Shaun Edwards suggested that some of the fringe players who had played against Fiji would be unlikely to be selected
for the World Cup in 2011.
However, former international Jones was particularly critical of the head coach and he believes that Gatland’s comments will cause friction and undermine the team.
“I feel very uncomfortable that Gatland has come out and announced it was Ryan's fault, not the other failings which were evident to everyone during the performance. They now have a split, and I'd like to see the coach taking considerable responsibility
because, ultimately, he is the one who is responsible," said Jones.
Wales faces the All Blacks on Saturday 20 November and a number of changes are expected from the side that failed to beat Fiji.
Gatland will be eager for Wales to perform well and he will hope that his comments have not caused any serious unrest in the Welsh camp prior to the Test with the All Blacks.
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