Whether it is internally to the squad or publicly through the media – when he discusses selection he does so from the heart.
“Selection is only a matter of opinion and everyone is entitled to their own opinion” is a go-to Gatland phrase. Whilst it is true, this evening the opinions that matter are Warren’s and his coaching team’s.
They will meet this evening to finalise their 31-man RWC squad before announcing tomorrow afternoon at 14.00.
“The hardest thing we have to do as coaches is deliver the message to those guys who miss out on selection,” said Gatland.
“Selection is always hard but when it is a World Cup it is another level again.
“We have seen first-hand what the players have put in, the dedication, the work, the effort and it’s a tough thing to do – to let them down.
“There will be players disappointed on Sunday, that is a fact as we can only take 31 players with us, but it doesn’t make it any easier.
“Sport is a great way to bring a nation together and somewhere like Wales where rugby is always the talking point, there are bound to be loads of conversations around the country as to the selection.
“As a coach you have to love that, you want people interested, passionate and opinionated – the time to worry is when nobody is talking about the sport.
“Wales is a small country but I always say it is made up of 3.3 million selectors so it should be a busy day for everyone on Sunday.”
Today marks another milestone for Gatland. There have been plenty of records and ‘moments’ in the last twelve years for him and his coaching team, but today marks the last home match at Principality Stadium for the group. “Today isn’t about the coaches leaving, or our last match here at the stadium,” Gatland added.
“It is about another step towards Japan and the greater goal. Yes, post match I will probably allow myself a moment to take in the stadium and the atmosphere but that is it. Today is about the players preparing themselves for Japan and fighting for selection in that RWC squad.”
