Warren Gatland challenges Dylan Hartley in upcoming England’s match against Wales
Dylan Hartley the English hooker has been dared to reveal what he really has to demonstrate, when he will stand in front of Wales in the coming Six Nations opening match. Warren Gatland the Welsh boss has earmarked the skipper for Northampton with some heavy
verbal treatment, eleven days prior to the clash in Millennium Stadium.
England’s front row has been packed by Dan Cole and Andrew Sheridan along with Dylan Hartley. Warren Gatland is eager to see what this combination has to bring out after his strong remarks. Gatland is satisfied with the way his front row performed last year
in the autumn and believes that there will be no competition for Welsh forwards in the coming fixture.
He said, “England's imploded a little bit against South Africa, and a couple of weeks ago I saw Hartley go to pieces (for Northampton) against Leicester.”
Talking about Hartley’s habit of giving out harsh comments and boastful remarks he added, “He's always got a lot to say, hasn't he? Let's see what he has got to offer and how he fronts up against us on February 4.”
Gatland pointed out that Hartley didn’t endear himself to the Welsh training camp following events during two hot-headed European Cup clashes between Cardiff Blues and Northampton Saints before Christmas. Gareth Williams the Blues hooker and Hartley, both
were sin binned for flaring up during the Pool 1 match at Franklin’s Gardens. Hartley and Williams exchanged a few words as they were leaving the field after the incident.
Wales’ scrum Richie Rees, while playing for Blues made a contact with the eye are of Hartley and received a 12 week ban after being cited during the comeback fixture a week later. Rees’s ban was confirmed after Hartley gave a statement on phone to the disciplinary
committee during the hearing in Dublin.
Gatland said, “He was responsible with some of his evidence for Richie Rees being banned for a long period, and he was not prepared to step outside to the back of the stand with Gareth Williams when invited to do so, so we will see how he fronts up against
us.”
After the incident this is the first time an official has given a statement so harsh or spoke out loud about their personal feelings about the rivals. Gatland completely anticipates England to come at the Welsh side through their pack. It is not hard to
imagine though, especially bearing in mind Wales will be playing exclusive of their injured British and Irish Lions’ test props Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins.
He believes that English has no other option then to come up front and be aggressive; otherwise it will be a clean sweep for Wales. Pointing out the weaknesses of the English side he said, “Their front row is not particularly mobile, and they are limited
without Courtney Lawes and Tom Croft. The strength of their team will be scrum-time, a driving lineout and physicality.”
But at the same time Gatland admitted that England has displayed some good rugby in autumn against Australia and few other teams. Though as we all remember how England got a shock when South Africa got extremely physical with them and went fully upfront.
Looks like Warren Gatland has thoroughly studied the case and has come out with all the ins and outs for the upcoming match.
Wales will be playing England at home and with all these development and hot-headed cross fire of comments, it is going to be a must watch clash for every rugby fan. Wales has a good record against the British squad in past couple of years and is already
favourites to win at home.
Gatland concluded, “Friday night in Cardiff, playing against England, you have got to be excited about that as a player. It should be a great occasion.”
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