With the France 2023 World Cup looming, Warren Gatland stands firm in his unapologetic approach to pushing Wales players to their limits as the build-up intensifies. Gatland's first chance to assess the entire squad approaches, with just under three months remaining until the World Cup campaign kicks off. Following initial training in small groups, all 49 players are set to report to the Vale of Glamorgan base next week. As BBC Wales Sport analyzes the upcoming 12 weeks leading to Bordeaux, Gatland's provisional training squad, initially consisting of 54 players, has faced high-profile withdrawals that have disrupted preparations.
Former captains Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric announced their retirements from Test rugby, while Cory Hill and Rhys Webb withdrew due to lucrative club contracts. Additionally, Rhys Carre was released for not meeting performance targets, and Joe Hawkins was ruled ineligible following his move to Exeter Chiefs. As the squad nears its first full training camp, four players will be cut from the provisional squad this week.
Gatland plans to push the players through two challenging training camps, similar to previous World Cup campaigns. The team will embark on their third visit to the Alpine resort of Fiesch in Switzerland from July 3-17, followed by the Gloria Sports Arena near Antalya in Turkey from July 23-31. These camps, notorious for their demanding physical and mental requirements, serve as opportunities for detailed preparations that would otherwise be impossible in a regular campaign.
Gatland emphasizes that while the camps are renowned for their focus on fitness, they are not solely about brutality. They provide a platform to work on crucial details necessary for competing against the world's best teams. By striving to maintain physical endurance throughout the full 80 minutes, Wales aims to stay resilient under pressure and increase their chances of victory. Gatland echoes Shaun Edwards' sentiment that a Test match tests players in every aspect, including resolve, physicality, skills, and mental toughness. Unapologetically, Gatland pushes the players to their limits to extract the best possible performance from each of them.
Several players have already caught Gatland's attention during training. Scrum-half Tomos Williams appears to have capitalized on the departures of Webb and impressed Gatland with his excellent physical condition. Despite Hawkins' ineligibility, Wales boasts considerable depth in midfield, with the likes of Joe Roberts, Mason Grady, and Max Llewelyn impressing the coaching staff. Gatland also praises lock Adam Beard, who has faced criticism but has dedicated significant effort to his preparation. The head coach hopes to see Beard prove his critics wrong with his improved physical shape.
Wales will face tough warm-up matches against two previous World Cup winners, including defending champions South Africa. These physical encounters against England (home and away) and South Africa will serve as vital preparation leading up to the tournament's opening game.
For this year's World Cup, teams are allowed to select 33 players, an increase of two from previous tournaments, with player welfare being a key consideration. Gatland is expected to finalize his squad after the match against the Springboks, just before the World Rugby deadline of August 28. The possibility of joint captains, similar to Australia's approach, has also been hinted at.
Wales' World Cup journey will commence in Versailles, located just west of Paris, with an official welcome ceremony on September 3. The team will play their four pool matches in different cities, traveling by train to minimize the event's carbon footprint.
With Wales facing recent challenges, including a disappointing Six Nations campaign and internal tensions, Gatland believes they may slip under the radar and thrive as underdogs. While Fiji poses a dangerous first opponent, Gatland highlights that Wales has the advantage of a favorable draw if they reach the quarter-finals. The team aims to make the Welsh public proud once again, building on past performances and defying expectations.