Wales stars in furious Rugby World Cup row as coach Gatland makes feelings clear

11 September 2023 , 13:07

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Warren Gatland has defended two of his Wales players after their victory over Fiji (Image: Getty Images)

Warren Gatland has defended Wales duo George North and Dan Biggar after they were involved in an on-pitch row during their win over Fiji on Sunday.

The Red Dragons held off a late onslaught from their opponents to secure a 32-26 victory in their World Cup opener in Bordeaux. The result moves Wales, who earned a bonus point for scoring four tries, second in Pool C, with Australia beating Georgia in the other game.

However, there was a controversial incident involving North and Biggar. The Welsh duo came to blows when Biggar gestured to the stands and berated at North for not kicking the ball into touch to bring on the half-time break. At the time, Wales were 18-14 up and under pressure in their own 22.

"I don't have a problem with that," said Gatland. "It's about making people accountable. There's nothing wrong with players challenging each other. We want that. For me peer pressure is huge.

"Those sorts of criticisms aren't personal. We talk about it being a point of care. It's about the team and individuals getting better. We need to be comfortable with being able to be critical."

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Fly-half Biggar, meanwhile, did not see a problem. "I'll make zero apologies for that. I think I must have told everyone the same thing at some point including myself to be honest!" he said.

"For me we've grown a little bit in that department as a team. We've grown to not so much enjoy confrontation but embrace it for what it is. We have to set standards and be accountable and I hope that brings good parts out of people as well as myself. That’s certainly not the first and it probably won't be my last before my time is up."

Dan Biggar cut a frustrated figure at the end of the first-half between Wales and Fiji (Getty Images)

Wales can take a giant leap towards the quarter-finals when they take on minnows Portugal in their second group game on Saturday. Speaking after the win over Fiji, Wales assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys admitted this weekend's match is "massive".

"The big one for us is Portugal. We did well in a lot of areas, but there is still massive room for growth for us," Humphreys said. "We are not thinking anywhere close to what possibly could be. We know what’s definitely going to be, and that is Portugal in a few days’ time.

"It is not an easy game, it is their first game in this tournament. They are a tough side to play against, they are very skilful. We don’t see this as pressure off. It is just the next game and we have to perform."

Kieran King