Gats goes, Howley replaces

[normanski]

As predicted for the last four years, Gatland gets the Lions' coach's job.

I suppose it was a foregone conclusion that Howley would take over in the interim and the WRU would play safe when they could have been adventurous and picked an outsider to introduce some new thinking to our style of play.

[Sandydragon]

Well, its not like we have any major issues to resolve over our style of play or anything is it?

[Son of Mathonwy]

Shock news: Sam Warburton backs Warren Gatland as 2017 Lions coach

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37295645

Who'd have thunk it?

[Son of Mathonwy]

As predicted for the last four years, Gatland gets the Lions' coach's job.

I suppose it was a foregone conclusion that Howley would take over in the interim and the WRU would play safe when they could have been adventurous and picked an outsider to introduce some new thinking to our style of play.

For me - since I'm resigned to Howley replacing Gatland eventually anyway - I'd say why not, let him get a bit more practice in before he really takes over.

He was successful when he took the reins in 2013, so I guess we could do worse.

[stud muffin]

I think the problems Wales have had attacking wise are basically down to Gatland always getting his way. Gatland's style worked once upon a time, but is so limited it's criminal. Don't know if Howley can do better without Gatland, He managed to do OK last time!!

Howley may be just too much of a yes man to contradict the boss or he may just be cr@p??

We'll find out soon enough I suppose?

[Voice Of Reason]

I think the problems Wales have had attacking wise are basically down to Gatland always getting his way. Gatland's style worked once upon a time, but is so limited it's criminal. Don't know if Howley can do better without Gatland, He managed to do OK last time!!

Howley may be just too much of a yes man to contradict the boss or he may just be cr@p??

We'll find out soon enough I suppose?

Problem is the style of play you can adopt relates to the skill set of your players. Thats not to say Gatland has not got a very limited and narrow view of how the game should be played. However his style suited the players available, the strength in depth below those players, is not there to choose a different system/style, so what can he do. You cant change that over night, its a cradle to retirement journey. What i am surprised at, is that he is given another crack at the Lions job, regards his restricted approach. But again, who else was available to select. Perhaps the tour will prove, given the tools he can push the thresholds of the game in terms of tactics, but i somehow doubt it.

[Sandydragon]

I was reading somewhere that his simple strategy suits the lions. With such short prep time, it's straightforward enough for everyone to understand.

I'm not entirely convinced by that argument, but I do think the lack of prep time is a valid point.

[morepork]

Well he has 10 months to mull it over.

[Sandydragon]

Well he has 10 months to mull it over.

As opposed to the last 10 years?

[WaspInWales]

Caption competition #1(a):

[Ross. S]

Gats: Dafuq you planing to try?
Stan: I know its a bit left field but I think AWJ at fullback may work.....

[Digby]

Is former Wasps player Rob Howely well placed to call players who've moved outside Wales selfish? And would he consider Shaun Edwards or Gats selfish?

[Sandydragon]

Article in the Fail indicating that Howley is very much the front runner to succeed Gatland.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Any thoughts about Howley's appointment of Matt Sherratt?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37554561

I don't know anything about him. Is Howley looking too close to home? Is he the best we could get?