Wales legend Scott Quinnell backs Warren Gatland ahead of France clash
Scott Quinnell has marked the 30th anniversary of that “life-changing” try against France by delivering his verdict on Warren Gatland’s Wales.
The Dragons are the only team to lose every game in this Six Nations tournament and this weekend face France who have won the last five meetings between the pair.
The Kiwi head coach has sprung a major selection shock by dropping from the squad fit and available centres George North and Nick Tompkins and moving second-row captain Dafydd Jenkins to blindside for the first time.
France odds-on favourites
The bookies’ response is to make France odds-on favourites – just as they were in 1994 when rookie number eight Quinnell masterminded Wales‘ first win in the fixture for 12 years.
That unforgettable day inside the old Arms Park saw Quinnell, in only his fourth Test, burst 45 metres for a sensational solo try – then give the scoring pass for Nigel Walker to scorch away and dethrone the reigning champions.
Not only did Wales go on to win the Five Nations title, as it was then, their 21-year old match winner made such an impression he joined rugby league giants Wigan in a £400,000 deal just months later.
Quinnell said: “That game remains a vivid memory – it was life-changing in that it put me on the market for rugby league and for the future.
“I was very fortunate to come into a team which had a huge amount of experience. My try was an absolute dream moment, although I’m actually prouder of the scoring pass I gave Nigel. I only made about three passes in my career!”
Today’s France set-up also remember it well. Quinnell handed off Fabien Galthie, now boss of Les Bleus, en route to the line before breaking a tackle from fly-half Alain Penaud, father of current French wing Damian.
Galthie will demand a different outcome on Sunday in light of France’s dismal campaign to date. Trounced by Ireland, they got lucky to beat Scotland and even luckier to escape with a draw at home to Italy.
At the Principality Stadium on Sunday they are without Jonathan Danty, suspended after being sent off against Italy, and injured fly-half Matthieu Jalibert.
“France haven’t been hitting their straps and we can’t allow them to do so this weekend,” Quinnell said.
He admits to being surprised by the demotion of North and Tompkins in favour of Joe Roberts and Owen Watkin.
But he declared: “In Gats we trust.”
Quinnell, 51, added: “You need squad depth and the start of a new World Cup cycle is the time to start building it.
“When you look at the injuries Wales have and the players they have to come back, I’m far from down about things.”
Wales have only ever finished last once in the Six Nations, when picking up the Wooden Spoon in 2003. Since then they have won six titles, four with Grand Slams – a record of success unmatched by any of their rivals.
Welsh rugby is in cash crisis, however, losing players as the regions are forced to tighten their belts as never before.
They are also without star finisher Louis Rees-Zammit, who is Stateside trying out for the NFL, while Jac Morgan, Demi Lake, Liam Williams, Christ Tshiunza and Taulupe Faletau are among the injured.
Sizeable challenge
If anyone can turn water to wine it is Gatland but, even with two home games to finish with, it is a sizeable challenge.
“Gats is building strength in depth which I’m sure will bear fruit down the line,” said Quinnell. “Hopefully they’re on the right path forward. There have been enough glimpses to suggest they are.
“If you put their first half performance against England with their second half against Scotland you’ve got one hell of an 80 minutes.
“It’s now about putting it all together, taking their opportunities. Guys who will have been knocking on Gats’ door asking for an opportunity now have it and need to take it.”
Before that, Quinnell will have an interested eye on Twickenham where his old Wigan team-mate Andy Farrell leads Ireland out against England.
Rugby league legend Martin Offiah this week hailed Farrell as the “number one coach in the northern hemisphere” in an exclusive interview with Planet Rugby.
He went on to describe Farrell’s debut at Twickenham in 1996 – for Wigan in rugby union’s Middlesex Sevens – as the day union’s eyes “were opened to rugby league”.
Quinnell was also part of that Wigan team and won’t easily forget the influence of the young Farrell.
“When I got to Wigan as a 21 year old, Andy I think was 19 yet you could see the presence of the man,” he said. “You could see the ability. His mental strength was absolutely incredible.
“The talent in that side was amazing. For him to be able to stand up at such a young age and shine like that you knew he was going to have an outstanding career.
“The British and Irish Lions have got a good one.”
