 | | Warren Gatland wants a good crack at the world champions after Six Nations glory |
New Zealand's Warren Gatland, Wales rugby coach, will take his strongest available side to South Africa for two Tests against the world champions in June after guiding his team to the Six Nations grand slam in his first season in charge.
In the past, Six Nations sides have rested players when travelling to the southern hemisphere in the off-season, however after Wales's 29-12 win over defending champions France in front of a euphoric crowd at the Millennium Stadium, Gatland made it clear he would field his top team in South Africa. "We have won the grand slam but we do not want to stop there," Gatland told reporters. "You have got to test yourself against the best teams in the world and South Africa are number one at the moment. "We will not rest on our laurels. It has been a great start for us coaches but we need to keep improving. If we sit back we will get caught. "We go to South Africa with no trepidation, saying 'let's have a crack'." Warren Gatland Martyn Williams, man-of-the match against France after another consummate display at open-side flanker, is the only player in doubt. "I will sit down with Martyn and say 'do you want to go or do you want a break'," Gatland said. Edwards stays as defence coach Wales, who have never won in South Africa, take on the Springboks in Durban on June 7 and then in Pretoria a week later. Shaun Edwards, Gatland's defence coach, confirmed he planned to stay with Wales and English premiership side Wasps until 2012 after the Welsh conceded just two tries their five Six Nations matches. "I want to get my future until 2012 sorted," Edwards said the Guardian on Monday. "And that future means twin contracts running in tandem for the next three years. "With any luck the deals can be done, dusted and signed this week." O'Sullivan and Ashton on notice Meanwhile, Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan's position may be in jeopardy before his side's tour of Australia, despite signing a four-year contract before the Six Nations tournament. Ireland finished fourth in the championship, their worst result for nine years. In England, Brian Ashton's role may also come under scrutiny ahead of his team's two-Test tour of New Zealand in June after Six Nations losses to Wales and Scotland, even though his side took second place with a win over Ireland. Ashton will meet Rob Andrew, Rugby Football Union elite rugby director, on Tuesday to discuss his future. "Whether I am staying in the job or not, I've no idea," Ashton told the BBC. "Winning one game does not mean any less pressure."
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