{"id":19501,"date":"2024-02-11T06:50:14","date_gmt":"2024-02-11T11:50:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/sport\/six-nations-2024-new-look-wales-learn-harsh-lessons-against-england\/11\/02\/2024\/"},"modified":"2024-02-11T06:50:14","modified_gmt":"2024-02-11T11:50:14","slug":"six-nations-2024-new-look-wales-learn-harsh-lessons-against-england","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/sport\/six-nations-2024-new-look-wales-learn-harsh-lessons-against-england\/11\/02\/2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Six Nations 2024: New-look Wales learn harsh lessons against England"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<\/p>\n<div data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1\">\n<p role=\"introduction\" class=\"qa-introduction gel-pica-bold\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.0\">In the end it again proved a step too far for Wales&#8217; new-look young side. For all the endeavour and shoots of optimism highlighted by head coach Warren Gatland, victory again eluded Wales at Twickenham.<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-3\">\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-3.0\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-3.0.0\">They might be youthful, but this Gatland class of 2024 are quickly learning the harsh realities of international rugby, with Wales now having lost nine of their last 10 Six Nations matches.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-4\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-4.0\">In this year&#8217;s tournament, there have been two defeats from two, by a combined total of only three points, in games against Scotland and England. That will hurt, especially as both were matches Wales could have won.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-5\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-5.0\">It might be a new era but the old Twickenham hang-ups remain. This was an eighth successive defeat at England&#8217;s home against the Red Rose side since 2015.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-6\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-6.0\">Wales had lived up to their reputation as slow starters as they conceded 27 points against Scotland in 43 minutes, before battling back to lose by a point.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-7\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-7.0\">But Wales bucked the trend at Twickenham, where they led at half-time in this tournament for the first time since 1980.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-8\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-8.0\">Yet a 14-5 advantage was overhauled, with Wales scoring no points in the second half and conceding 11. An inexperienced side just lacked the composure to seal victory.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"gs-u-mt0 gs-u-mb-alt+ story-body__media story-body__media--figure qa-story-body-media\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$video-10\"><span class=\"gs-u-display-block story-body__media\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$video-10.0\"><span class=\"gs-u-display-block gs-o-responsive-image\" style=\"padding-bottom:56.25%;\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$video-10.0.0\"><noscript data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$video-10.0.0.1\"\/><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"gel-brevier gs-u-ph+ gs-u-pv-alt story-body__media__caption story-body__media__caption--video\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$video-10.1\">Six Nations: Wales captain Dafydd Jenkins proud of team despite defeat by England<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"story-body__crosshead\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$crosshead-11\">Game management an issue<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-12\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-12.0\">Wales showed naivety at key times. The visitors had a two-man advantage in the first half with Ollie Chessum and Ethan Roots shown yellow cards, but Wales could not impose themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-13\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-13.0\">Wales have been here before under Gatland at Twickenham, with shades of the 2015 World Cup defeat against Australia and the loss to England prior to last year&#8217;s global tournament.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-14\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-14.0\">On this occasion, fly-half Ioan Lloyd replaced the injured Sam Costelow to make his first international start in the fabled Wales number 10 jersey. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-15\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-15.0\">Wales are looking to replace both retired Dan Biggar and unavailable Gareth Anscombe and there are not many options.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-16\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-16.0\">Lloyd, 22, is a different sort of fly-half from Biggar, a more attacking option who has played a lot of his senior rugby at full-back. He remains raw and Wales have to be patient with him and Costelow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-17\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-17.0\">Lloyd demonstrated glimpses of his ability including a fizzing, long second-half pass to Cameron Winnett that almost led to a Rio Dyer try.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-18\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-18.0\">There will be incidents he will look back on with regret and realise how unforgiving life can be in the fly-half role.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-19\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-19.0\">Wales had forced a penalty try and were playing against 13 men when Lloyd was caught under his own posts by Maro Itoje straight after the restart. The visitors conceded a scrum and Ben Earl powered over for a try.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-20\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-20.0\">&#8220;Probably when England are down to 13 men, you don&#8217;t play in your own 22,&#8221; said Gatland.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-21\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-21.0\">&#8220;It&#8217;s an opportunity to play territory, get the ball down there and squeeze them. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-22\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-22.0\">&#8220;That&#8217;s part of the learning process. I&#8217;m not going to be critical of individuals, I&#8217;ve been through this before with other teams.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"story-body__crosshead\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$crosshead-25\">Kicking contest, aerial ability<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-26\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-26.0\">With limited time against an aggressive England defence, Lloyd tried to make things happen with his kicking game but his searching chips rarely hit the mark.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-27\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-27.0\">England fly-half George Ford had his own issues, including controversially having a conversion attempt denied by the onrushing Rio Dyer and Elliot Dee.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-28\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-28.0\">Ford stepped up when required with his brilliant 50-22 kick leading to the pressure that resulted in Mason Grady being shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-29\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-29.0\">Ford slotted over the penalty to give England the lead for the first time after 72 minutes and Wales were chasing a result with only 14 men. That was the game.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-30\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-30.0\">Not for the first time in recent matches against England, Wales also lost the aerial contest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-31\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-31.0\">England full-back Freddie Steward has often dominated these exchanges and was given more opportunity to excel.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"story-body__crosshead\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$crosshead-32\">Set-piece change <\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-33\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-33.0\">England&#8217;s second-half kicking strategy and set-piece superiority were key factors in the comeback.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-34\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-34.0\">Wales conceded just four penalties versus Scotland and remarkably did not concede one in the first half at Twickenham.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-35\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-35.0\">The second half proved a different story, though, as Wales struggled in the set-piece after Elliot Dee and Keiron Assiratti were replaced. Hooker Dee had been outstanding to back up his second-half display against Scotland.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-36\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-36.0\">Tight-head prop Archie Griffin, 22, was making his Wales debut from the bench after only five games for Bath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-37\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-37.0\">The visiting pack found themselves on the wrong side of the officials at the scrum, while the line-out began to malfunction with Ryan Elias struggling to find his jumpers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-38\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-38.0\">Gatland explained why he made those front-row changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-39\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-39.0\">&#8220;We thought putting Ryan on with Archie would give us some experience along with fresh legs,&#8221; said Gatland.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-40\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-40.0\">&#8220;We probably lost a bit of accuracy. I thought Elliot was outstanding and he was great when he came on second half against Scotland last week.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"story-body__crosshead\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$crosshead-41\">Remarkable Reffell<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"gs-u-mt0 gs-u-mb-alt+ story-body__media story-body__media--figure qa-story-body-media\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$image-42\"><span class=\"gs-u-display-block story-body__media\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$image-42.0\"><span class=\"gs-u-display-block gs-o-responsive-image\" style=\"padding-bottom:56.25%;\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$image-42.0.0\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"gel-brevier gs-u-ph+ gs-u-pv-alt story-body__media__caption story-body__media__caption--image\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$image-42.1\">Tommy Reffell plays for Leicester in the English Premiership<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-43\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-43.0\">England number eight Earl was named player of the match but the award could have gone to Wales flanker Tommy Reffell.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-44\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-44.0\">England coach Steve Borthwick knows the foraging flanker having worked with him at Leicester. Reffell&#8217;s trademark turnovers were in evidence and he also demonstrated his attacking abilities, playing a role in Alex Mann&#8217;s try.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-45\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-45.0\">&#8220;We know how good he is defensively, but we want him to be comfortable getting the ball in his hands more,&#8221; said Gatland. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-46\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-46.0\">&#8220;He came in as a bit more of an option as a running threat. We saw that last week and once more against England. I&#8217;m delighted because he&#8217;s starting to get a nice balance in his game. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-47\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-47.0\">&#8220;That can take him to the next level. He was outstanding and just keeps going for 80 minutes.&#8221; <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-48\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-48.0\">Reffell&#8217;s unrelenting contribution was matched by that of new Wales captain Dafydd Jenkins, who is growing into his role, while wing Dyer is developing into an international-class wing. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"gs-u-mt0 gs-u-mb-alt+ story-body__media story-body__media--figure qa-story-body-media\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$image-49\"><span class=\"gs-u-display-block story-body__media\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$image-49.0\"><span class=\"gs-u-display-block gs-o-responsive-image\" style=\"padding-bottom:56.25%;\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$image-49.0.0\"><img style=\"display:block\" class=\"lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg?w=75&resize=75 75w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg?w=100&resize=100 100w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg?w=150&resize=150 150w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg?w=240&resize=240 240w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg?w=320&resize=320 320w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg?w=500&resize=500 500w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg?w=640&resize=640 640w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg?w=800&resize=800 800w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg?w=1024&resize=1024 1024w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg?w=1280&resize=1280 1280w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg?w=1600&resize=1600 1600w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1280px) 800px, (min-width: 900px) 624px, (min-width: 600px) 976px, (min-width: 400px) 624px, 400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/400\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg 400w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/800\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/976\/cpsprodpb\/F3F3\/production\/_132615426_cdf_100224_ge_england_v_wales_053.jpg 976w\" alt=\"Wales flanker Alex Mann evades Ollie Chessum to score against England\" class=\"qa-srcset-image\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$image-49.0.0.0\"\/><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"gel-brevier gs-u-ph+ gs-u-pv-alt story-body__media__caption story-body__media__caption--image\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$image-49.1\">Cardiff flanker Alex Mann is a former Wales Under-20s captain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-50\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-50.0\">Full-back Winnett, 21, was again assured in his second international appearance and 17th professional game and produced a try-saving tackle on Elliot Daly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-51\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-51.0\">His Cardiff team-mate Mann, 22, had only made just 11 senior appearances before his Wales debut against Scotland. He has now managed two tries in two games after making his first Test start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-52\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-52.0\">Mann typified the gnarly Wales approach that frustrated England for so long, but could not stop the rampaging Earl crossing for his try.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-53\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-53.0\">At the other end of the experience spectrum, George North, 31, joined Wales&#8217; exclusive club of 50 appearances in the tournament. He joins Stephen Jones, Gethin Jenkins Alun Wyn Jones and Martyn Williams.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-54\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-54.0\">In his 119th Wales game, North produced a short series of powerful bursts as he proved Gatland&#8217;s most effective ball-carrier.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"story-body__crosshead\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$crosshead-57\">Patience needed with Dublin trip next<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-58\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-58.0\">For all the positivity, Gatland <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/sport\/rugby-union\/68261995\" class=\"story-body__internal-link\" title=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-58.$link-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-58.$link-2.0\">asked for patience from the Welsh public<\/span><\/a><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-58.3\"> after the England defeat and he will need it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-59\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-59.0\">Wales won only one game in three of the previous four Six Nations campaigns, with the 2021 title triumph under Wayne Pivac the exception.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-60\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-60.0\">This time around, they are still searching for a first win, but Dublin &#8211; where Wales go next, on 24 February &#8211; is not the ideal place to halt a losing sequence. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-61\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-61.0\">Like their experiences at Twickenham, Wales have not won at the Aviva Stadium in this tournament since 2012 and Ireland are a far more daunting prospect than Scotland or England. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-62\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-62.0\">If the victory does not come against the defending champions &#8211; and not even the most ardent Welsh fan will expect a win in Ireland &#8211; it will have to materialise in the final two home games, against France and Italy, which take place in the space of six days in March.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-63\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-63.0\">Gatland is adamant Wales will become a good team in the future. In the present their resolve will continue to be sorely tested. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-64\"><span data-reactid=\".25fob6fuwie.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-64.0\">Short-term pain for long-term gain. It has become the mantra for Welsh rugby.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/sport\/rugby-union\/68261989\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the end it again proved a step too far for Wales&rsquo; new-look young side. For all the endeavour and shoots of<br \/><button class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/sport\/six-nations-2024-new-look-wales-learn-harsh-lessons-against-england\/11\/02\/2024\/\">Read More &rsaquo;<\/a><\/button><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19504,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[213],"tags":[170,4868,576,2470,1943,17,64],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19501"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19501"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19501\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19503,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19501\/revisions\/19503"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19504"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19501"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19501"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19501"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}