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Wales Will be Fine Without Gatland 6 views 0 Comments 0 Images 24 January 2013 by Englandfan See all

Wales hooker Matthew Rees has insisted that his side will cope just fine without their head coach, Warren Gatland, for the forthcoming Six Nations. Gatland, who will miss the Six Nations to concentrate on his role as Lions coach, was replaced for the Autumn internationals by his assistant Rob Howley, who will take charge again for the Six Nations. Wales lost all four of their Autumn games under the 42-year-old, with some betting news sites tipping them to struggle in the Six Nations. Rees, however, maintains that Howley is up to the job. "Rob has huge respect from the players and the coaches involved. I thought he did a great job in the autumn, although results didn't go our way," he said. Other than Gatland, the coaching set-up which guided Wales to the Grand Slam last year remains in-tact for this season, and Rees is confident that this consistency can help the squad as they look to retain their crown. "Rob is an experienced coach, and there is the strength of Robin McBryde, Shaun Edwards and Neil Jenkins with him,” Rees said. "Rob has got the same strengths as Warren as a coach, and it is great for us to have him.” Whilst Rees’ loyalty to Rob Howley is commendable Wales’ performances in the Autumn series were simply not good enough, and if their form continues in the same vein for the Six Nations then this could be the last time that Howley is given the reins. Unfortunately for Rees and his team mates, history is also not on Wales’ side as the last time they successfully defended the Five or Six Nations title was back in 1979 and the last time they completed the Grand Slam in two successive seasons was over 100 years ago. If Howley could inspire his side to retain the Six Nations this season then it would be his greatest achievement in rugby, but the thought of such a dramatic turnaround in form seems very far-fetched right now. Don’t forget to head over to bet365 for all the latest rugby betting news, odds, tips, advice and expert opinion, as well as their in-play bet offer.

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