Wales v South Africa
Edwards angry at Gatland criticism
ESPN Staff
November 25, 2014
Shaun Edwards (right) has reacted angrily to criticism of Warren Gatland © Getty Images
Enlarge

Defence coach Shaun Edwards has reacted angrily to criticism of head coach Warren Gatland ahead of Wales' clash against South Africa at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Wales lost to New Zealand last Saturday to bring Gatland's run against Southern Hemisphere super powers New Zealand, Australia and South Africa to 26 defeats in 27 matches. Wales have won the Six Nations three times under Gatland, twice a grand slam, but have only a solitary victory over Australia in 2008 to show against the SANZAR nations.

That record led Gatland to be asked about pressure in a post-match interview on Saturday. Edwards was quizzed on the same topic on Tuesday and reacted angrily, saying "What do you mean 'under pressure?'"

"Being a Test match rugby coach, every game has got pressure," he continued. "Being any sort of coach, every game has got pressure. I don't understand what you mean. Do you mean do you think he is going to get sacked?

"If you coach Wigan Under-11s, you get pressure. You are a coach. Of course he is under pressure, everyone is under pressure. Every single game is a pressure game. If you are coaching a Sunday League team you are under pressure to win a game. I don't understand what you are trying to get at."

Edwards also gave an injury update on Wales squad, revealing they are continuing to assess George North (concussion), Leigh Halfpenny (shoulder) and scrum-half Rhys Webb (groin). Gethin Jenkins, who missed the match against the All Blacks, is back in training but Nicky Smith has returned to Ospreys.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.