CARDIFF, Wales — Warren Gatland has openly shared his intent to continue as the head coach of Wales rugby, following what may be his final team lineup announcement amidst a worrying string of losses that mark a bleak period in the team’s 143-year history.

Wales is currently on an unfortunate run of 11 consecutive defeats. As they prepare to face the reigning world champions, South Africa, in Cardiff this Saturday, they seek to avoid experiencing an entire calendar year without a single test victory for the first time since 1937.

Gatland’s position appears increasingly precarious, and he has stated he would back any decision made by the Welsh Rugby Union. When questioned about his future ahead of the Six Nations, which is set to kick off in February, he did not provide any concrete assurances. “It’s not something I’ve thought about. I’m focused on this week,” he remarked during a press conference. He added, “If you start thinking about other things and going outside and talking about other things, it’s a distraction you don’t need. You’ve just got to focus totally on preparing the team as best we can.”

When asked if he is eager to remain as the coach, Gatland responded affirmatively but also recognized the immense pressures that come with the international rugby scene, where performance and results are critical.

Since his return for a second tenure ahead of the Rugby World Cup last year, Gatland’s record shows only six victories out of 23 matches. He expressed his belief in the potential of his “young group” while stating, “Decisions could be made outside of my control.” He expressed his need for more time to develop the squad but accepted, “whether we get that time, we’ll have to wait and see.”

In preparation for the match against South Africa, Gatland has made four changes to the lineup that suffered a 52-20 defeat against Australia last Sunday. Notable inclusions are winger Rio Dyer, flyhalf Sam Costelow, lock Christ Tshiunza, and No. 8 Taine Plumtree. Additionally, winger Blair Murray has shifted to fullback, taking the place of Cameron Winnett.

Costelow will step in for Gareth Anscombe, Tshiunza replaces the injured Adam Beard, and Plumtree will take over from Aaron Wainwright.

The 23-man squad representing Wales has a combined total of 334 caps, significantly lower than the Springboks’ bench, which alone boasts 431 caps. Dyer stands out as the most experienced back in the Wales setup with only 22 caps to his name.

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Wales: Blair Murray, Tom Rogers, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Rio Dyer, Sam Costelow, Ellis Bevan; Taine Plumtree, Jac Morgan, James Botham, Christ Tshiunza, Will Rowlands, Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake, Gareth Thomas. Reserves: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Eddie James, Josh Hathaway.

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