Wales coach Warren Gatland explains captaincy decision
Wales coach Warren Gatland has stated that the decision to strip Ryan Jones of the captaincy was made prior to their 16-16 draw with Fiji on Friday 19 November.
Gatland revealed that the appointment of British and Irish Lions hooker Matthew Rees was made before Wales produced a poor performance against the Fijians.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Wales’ final Test match of the Autumn Internationals, Gatland said, "We felt it was time to make a change and it wasn't a knee-jerk reaction straight after the Fiji match as people are trying to portray it was."
Gatland and his coaching staff were criticised for stripping Jones of the captaincy and berating a number of players in media interviews in the immediate aftermath of the Welsh draw.
The Wales head coach singled out Jones for his poor performance. The back-row forward relinquished his role of captain with the Ospreys last season.
Injury ruled Jones out of the opening two games against Australia and South Africa in the Autumn Internationals.
Rees was appointed as the temporary captain for the two defeats, but Gatland was impressed with how Rees led the team. "I decided to make the announcement in the changing room after the [Fiji] game. We were so impressed with the way Matthew had led the team
in the first two games."
Gatland admitted that he had talked to Rees, Jones, senior players and Jones’ club, the Ospreys, before deciding to offer Rees the captaincy. "The decision wasn't made after the Fijian match. I'd spoken to Matthew about this last week. I'd spoken to some
senior players. I informed the Ospreys last week that this was going to happen."
Rees will now captain Wales on a full-time basis and he will captain the side in their challenging Test match against the All Blacks on Saturday 27 November.
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