World Cup 2023: ‘They just had to do better at the last World Cup’: Wales coach Warren Gatland

Ireland – New Zealand and France – South Africa at the Stade de France on the one hand. Wales – Argentina and England – Fiji in Marseille on the other hand. On paper, the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals look lopsided as they will pit the four best nations in the world against each other in Paris, while leaving a chance for teams in a complete rebuilding phase to reach the final round.

World Rugby explained that there was an inconsistency in the final schedule that could be explained by the draw being held very early, in December 2020, in order to give teams and fans enough time to organize their trip to France. However, at the time, England and Wales were third and fourth in the world rankings, while Ireland were only fifth and France seventh.

A fact that did not escape Wales coach Warren Gatland, who was visibly annoyed at having to answer questions on the subject: “I want to tell the other teams that they just had to get a better result during the last World Cup, the draw has been decided.” There,” launched the New Zealand coach, who is preparing his men to face the Pumas, Saturday (5 p.m.), at the Velodrome Stadium.

He changes gear: “It’s not our doing. If the teams had done better during the 2019 World Cup, they would have been in other groups. You didn’t hear us complaining in 2015 when Fiji, Australia and England were in the same group, and we never complained. We have no control and we have to do That. I understand there are complaints and I agree that the lottery may have been done too early in the past. It may have been done too early in 2019 as well. If the people in charge of the lottery can make the groups later next time, it’s up to For them to decide.”

At the start of the World Cup in France, Bill Beaumont, president of the World Rugby Union, confirmed that the problem would be resolved for the 2027 World Cup in Australia: “We will try to hold the group stage draw as quickly as possible.” As much as possible, as late as possible so that there is more consistency around the balance in the hen. »