'The Gatfather' faces his Irish demons

By JENNI RUTHERFORD in London - RugbyHeaven | Tuesday, 04 March 2008

The intrigue continues to build over the reunion of former colleagues Warren Gatland and Eddie O’Sullivan when Wales visit Dublin in the Six Nations this weekend.

In the lead-up, Cardiff Blues’ meeting with Munster last weekend may have offered an insight of what to expect.

The Welsh region came away with the spoils against the Irish province in the latest round of the Magners League and rather like the Wales national team at present, Kiwis ran the show.

Blues captain Xavier Rush looked like he had the measure of his former All Black opponent Doug Howlett when he chipped over the Munster wing and sprinted for the line but Rush was never going to outrun his former Auckland team-mate.

He was on hand again to set up Jamie Roberts’ try with a perfectly-weighted pass in the 25-22 victory at Arms Park.

Ben Blair, who has revelled in his time in Wales, kicked two penalties and converted twice to help Cardiff mount a thrilling comeback after trailing 22-11 with 22 minutes remaining. Paul Tito, the former Hurricanes lock, also played a hand in setting up Rhys Thomas’ try.

Saracens’ Kiwi contingent however, were unable to prevent defeat against London Irish in the Guinness Premiership. Glen Jackson’s two missed penalties in the final minutes proved the difference in the 27-24 loss. Chris Jack was unable to take the field because of a virus.

Sale did not fare any better without Luke McAlister who withdrew after suffering a back spasm in training. The Sharks were upset by Worcester, who are struggling at the bottom of the league.

Bruce Reihana and Carlos Spencer are providing the guiding hand in pushing Northampton back up to the top flight and were instrumental in a 73-0 thrashing of National League One opponents Rotherham, who are headed towards demotion.

Reihana scored three of the 11 tries and kicked four conversions while Spencer was allowed to run riot in midfield and converted five tries. Mark Robinson, whose future at the club is uncertain, came off the bench to score.

The Six Nations concludes in the upcoming weeks with Wales the only team still able to claim a Grand Slam this year.

The encounter at Croke Park will force Gatland to face his demons. While he is playing down Saturday’s on-field meeting with O’Sullivan, his former assistant at Ireland, the media cannot get enough of it and are determined to get to the bottom of the feud, which left Gatland out in the cold and O’Sullivan taking over the hot seat.

The Wales head coach has steered away from talk of personality clashes and split factions led by O’Sullivan and captain at the time Keith Wood.

But perhaps that’s why he decided to divert the attention by criticising the All Blacks specifically and New Zealanders in general. Clever.