Writing in the Western Mail Rhodri Morgan argues that Warren Gatland must instill a ruthless edge to his current Welsh squad.
They say rugby is a game played in the top two inches.
Wales got themselves into a position, where they could have beaten any one out of South Africa, Australia or New Zealand, but they blew it and who cares about the “could haves”?
Imagine if Australia were 13-12 down to the All Blacks, but the All Blacks were 14-15 down in players on the field and have just given away a penalty and their heads are down, not panicking but definitely down. Australia would have won from there because they would have smelt blood. They would have said to each other: “Turn the Screw – turn the Screw!”
We didn’t nail it. We helped them back into the game and pretty soon they looked invincible again.
Mind you, looking ahead to the World Cup, we’ve got a pretty settled front five. Lydiate and Warburton look like the first choice flankers. The number 8 shirt could go to four or five players. The best choice back division is still very unclear. George North solves one problem but Lee Byrne and Mike Phillips are still not back to their Lions form. I don’t envy Warren Gatland his job. He has to instil that “yes we can” psychology and overcome white line fever.
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