Warren Gatland expects better from Wales against the All Blacks
Tuesday 20 November 2012 16:34, UK
Image:Warren Gatland: Back to replace Rob Howley and hoping Wales lift themselves against the All Blacks
Wales coach Warren Gatland is keen to see his side rise to the occasion when they face New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday.
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"Memories of the Rugby World Cup last year and touring New Zealand the previous summer are still fresh in the mind of many of the players and staff.
"The hospitality shown and the way we were looked after made the experience especially memorable, and that makes it all the more special that we have the opportunity to face the best side in the world at the moment in Cardiff.
"I don't think it is a World Cup hangover or a Six Nations hangover. We have just gone through a bit of a dip.
"The players are well aware that some of their form has not been as strong as it possibly could be. There is a little bit of a confidence issue with one or two.
"Some of them are dealing for the first time with some criticism that has come from the outside. It has been quite personal for some of them, but they've got to learn to cope with that.
"They've had criticism within the media and some players have had a bit of abuse on Twitter. It's how you handle it and move forward. I think all of us will be stronger for the experiences of the last two weeks."
