Wales boss Warren Gatland says he has never “worried about external influences” after making 10 changes for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash against Italy. Gatland was criticised in some quarters after announcing a team showing 12 switches to face Italy in last season’s tournament. Wales, though, won that game 38-14 – it launched their current 10-match unbeaten run – and the Azzurri have never triumphed in the fixture since Gatland took charge in 2008. Wales head coach Warren Gatland has hit back at criticism over his team selection (Ben Birchall/PA)“I’ve never been a person who has worried about external influences,” head coach Gatland said. “Sometimes, it’s unfortunate for players that there tends to be strength in depth in certain positions and you have to make tough decisions in selection.

Source: Irish Examiner February 07, 2019 21:56 UTC