Warren Gatland: England must answer questions at the World Cup
Tuesday 1 September 2015 16:53, UK
Wales coach Warren Gatland believes Pool A rivals England have serious questions hanging over them heading into the World Cup.
Wales, England, Australia, Fiji and Uruguay will contest the tournament's so-called 'pool of death,' with only two quarter-final places available.
The Welsh are currently third favourites to win the pool behind England and Australia but Gatland sees weaknesses within the tournament hosts' squad.
"We are much more settled," Gatland said. "England have got the problem of which way they want to play and who they want to play.
"Who are they going to play at nine and 10? Who are they going to play in midfield? What is the make-up of their back-row? They need (Geoff) Parling to call their lineouts - who is his partner and who comes off the bench?
"We are a little bit more settled and more comfortable with the experience and combinations that we've got.
"Obviously they (England) have got some world-class players and the depth that I would love to have, but they are not 100 per cent sure of where they are going.
"It's a toss of a coin, isn't it? There's a bit of respect between the two teams, and on the day we are both capable of beating each other.
"As a coach, I've had some great success at Twickenham. I think it's a great stadium and I love going there. It's been lucky for me, and may it continue to be so."
Gatland has three injury concerns in his 31-man squad which was announced on Monday.
Experienced lock Alun-Wyn Jones is currently suffering from a medial knee ligament strain while wing Liam Williams has not yet recovered from a foot injury and prop Samson Lee is still recovering after injuring his Achilles tendon last March.
Reflecting on Lee's current situation, Gatland added: "Maybe Samson for Uruguay (on September 20). He is up and running and not too far away, and it's just making sure we don't push him too hard, too early.
"Liam had a little bit of foot pain last week, and hopefully he will be up and running again this week. We have just got to monitor him."
Gatland, meanwhile, has no doubt about the inspirational Jones being fit to spearhead Wales' forward effort against England in 26 days' time.
"These guys are in good shape," he said. "Alun probably won't play between now and then, and if we need to do some live stuff in training to make sure they get that physical contact, we will.
"He has enough rugby behind him and enough experience that he will rock up on the day.
"I thought two players who hadn't played for five and a half months (against Ireland last Saturday) in Bradley Davies and George North looked pretty comfortable. Those experienced players have the ability to step straight into the fold, so I'm not worried."
