The selection of the Welsh team to play Italy was unprecedented in its timing and just shows the confidence of the Welsh camp at the moment.
It's nice to see a coach who knows his own mind so well that he is prepared to make public his choices a full 12 days before the game.
I wasn't surprised to see Stephen Jones and Dwayne Peel restored, you could see that coming a mile off. It's a good decision too because the pair are clearly have so much class and experience to offer.
But I was a little taken aback to see Mark Jones back in for Jamie Roberts, who I thought was impressive on his debut against Scotland.
After thinking about it though, it could be another psychological masterstroke by Gatland.
When he dropped Jones he warned he didn't want to see players throw their toys out of the cot and that there would be rewards for those who got their heads down and worked hard to get back in.
Jones did just that - and he has his reward.
If players see that the coach is as good as his word in these situations then it will be all the encouragement they need when they have a setback.
What a healthy environment we would then have.
They say fortune favours the brave, and I think Gatland has been brave in this selection.
I hope he too gets his reward against the Italians. I believe he will.
What say you?
Mansel wrote...
I agree with everything you've said but more importantly, I think the way he has turned Gavin Henson into a team player in such a short time is nothing short of brilliant. Though unspectacular and a little controlled, Henson is playing the inside centre position like a veteran. Hugely impressed by Gatland.
Posted by: Mansel | February 14, 2008 5:17 AM