Skip to content

Warren Gatland reckons Wales can learn from Georgia on how to play New Zealand

New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams is tackled during the match against Georgia
Image: New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams is tackled during the match against Georgia

Wales coach Warren Gatland believes his side can learn how to deal with New Zealand by watching Georgia's display against them from last October.

Gatland's squad are in Auckland for the first Test against the All Blacks on June 11, and the Wales coach reckons Georgia's game-plan in that Rugby World Cup clash was impressive.

International Rugby Union

Georgia were eventually overwhelmed 43-10 in the Pool C match at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium and New Zealand went on to win the tournament and claim back-to-back titles.

But Georgia rattled their more fancied opponents with bone-jarring tackles and a strong scrum, giving a possible clue to Gatland's tactics for the upcoming three-Test series in New Zealand.

Wales coach Warren Gatland is a former All Blacks player
Image: Wales coach Warren Gatland is a former All Blacks player

"We've said to our players go and have a look at the Georgia game in the World Cup," Gatland said. "There were a lot of mistakes that the All Blacks made

Lydiate out for three months
Lydiate out for three months

Dan Lydiate faces a race to be fit for next season as the flanker needs surgery on a shoulder injury

"They were obviously ring-rusty as a team and they got better as the tournament went along."

Wales have been written off as 14-1 outsiders by bookies in New Zealand, but Gatland remains hopeful the All Blacks will struggle as they begin a new era without superstars such as Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.

Also See:

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Warren Gatland was reasonably happy with aspects of Wales' game despite their 27-13 defeat to England

"It's going to be tough but we're not here just to make up the numbers and we're not here to start the rebuilding phase of New Zealand rugby either," said the former All Black.

Wales have not defeated the All Blacks since 1953 and have never won a Test on New Zealand soil in seven attempts.