Share

Gatland wants to avoid ONE topic ahead of Bok Test

Cape Town - Wales coach Warren Gatland hopes at least one topic of discussion will be avoided ahead of Saturday’s Test against South Africa in Cardiff.

“The biggest thing for me - and the players are the same - is that the last thing we want is a media debate about the Welsh No 10s,” Gatland told the Wales Online website.

The Wales mentor is spoilt for choice at No 10, with all of Gareth Anscombe, Dan Biggar and Rhys Patchell in contention.

Biggar produced a man-of-the-match performance when he started at flyhalf in last Saturday’s 74-24 win over Tonga, while his replacement Patchell was impressive when he came on in the final quarter.

However, in the 9-6 win over Australia earlier this month, it was Anscombe who started at flyhalf, while Biggar came on as a fullback replacement.

“All three of the 10s have played well and that’s a great position for me to be in,” said Gatland.

Gatland added that the media debate around who should start at flyhalf “has been going on forever and they don’t want to be stuck in the middle of that”.

“I think whoever is involved against South Africa will see it as a big opportunity and whoever misses out will be very disappointed. It’s a position where we have different players with different strengths, but we’re in a good position there.”

While Wales are pondering their starting flyhalf, the Springboks look more settled in the position.

Handre Pollard was the man-of-the-match in the 26-20 win over Scotland in Edinburgh, while Elton Jantjies seems content with a bench role.

Jantjies was impressive when he came on in the second half at Murrayfield, with Pollard seamlessly slotting into the inside centre berth.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1118 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1284 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1979 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE