Warren Gatland was in bullish mood after his Welsh side beat Ireland 16-10 in a game where the result means very little. Wales were much improved from their 35-14 hiding from Ireland three weeks ago, and Gatland was in the mood to fire some shots at Ireland in his post match press conference.
Gatland, perhaps stung by previous criticism about his game plan, focused on Ireland's attacking shape and claimed that Ireland didn't threaten his defense at all, despite Ireland gaining 384 metres and beating nine Welsh defenders. He told the press after the game:
I don't think Ireland play a lot of rugby. Incredibly narrow...we didn't feel troubled at all out wide. We felt we weren't under pressure from what they threw at us.
They got a style that has been incredibly successful. It's hard to move away from that. I'm sure they will try and add to their game.
Schmidt chose not to engage him, simply saying:
That's his perception, and he's entitled to it.
While Wales won by just six points after Ireland were held up over the line twice, it would be unusual for Ireland to show their hand in a warm up game, when tougher and more important tests lie in wait.
