From our archive: 2012
Warren Gatland appears to be a dead certainty for the British and Irish Lions head coach job after leading Wales to their second Grand Slam in four years. The New Zealander’s squad bounced back from their World Cup semi-final heartache to produce some stunning rugby on their way to the Six Nations crown, clinching the title with another dominant performance, this time against France, gaining revenge for their defeat in New Zealand.
Gatland, who along with Scotland head coach Andy Robinson and Ireland’s Declan Kidney, will all be interviewed for the Lions’ head coach position, although the betting line suggest the Kiwi will be offered the job. Should Gatland take the job then Rob Howley looks set to lead Wales in next year’s Six Nations campaign.
Gatland was part of the coaching staff that took the squad to South Africa three years ago, where Sir Ian McGeechan very nearly led the Lions to a series victory against the world champions at the time. The 48-year old has proven himself to be one of the best coaches in the business since then and would certainly have the Lions organised for their three Tests against Australia next year.
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Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards and England forwards’ specialist Graham Rowntree would be favourites to make up the rest of Gatland’s coaching staff, in a set-up that would give the Lions plenty of belief as well as confidence to punters who bet on sports going into the tour of Australia.
There aren’t many sides currently better than Wales in world rugby and that has been down mainly to Gatland’s leadership. The Kiwi has achieved more than anyone would have imagined during his four years in charge and definitely has a CV capable of leading the Lions.
Looking back: Gatland did get the job. He led the Lions to a 2-1 series win in Australia in 2013, and went on to coach them again in New Zealand in 2017 and South Africa in 2021.
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