Warren Gatland let down as a lack of discipline spoils his return as Wales boss

Wales improved rapidly the more time they spent under the guidance of Warren Gatland during his first trophy-laden spell as head coach.

But this was not the homecoming the New Zealander would have envisioned. For the Welsh Rugby Union, the humiliation of Ireland was a major disappointment after a fortnight of negative headlines off the pitch.

The Gatland side simply didn’t show up in the first half of their first game back in charge and Ireland didn’t need a second wild card to take the lead.

Wales have had little time to acclimate to a new coaching staff, but that’s no excuse. Wing Josh Adams recognized him. The basic facts are that they conceded 15 penalties, including nine in the first half, and missed 33 tackles. No team can win a test that produces those kinds of numbers.

‘No, definitely not. 100 per cent,’ said Adams, when asked if rust was one of the reasons for Wales’ poor start. There are no excuses. We definitely need to be better and credit to Ireland too. They are a good team. They are physical and well trained.

Warren Gatland was frustrated with Wales’ lack of discipline when they lost to Ireland

“The disappointing thing is that in the first 20 minutes of any game, whoever you play against, you expect to be out in front in a close contest. But they blew us away. That will be something we will try to improve.’

So with a trip to Scotland, after their impressive win over England, can Wales improve in the space of just a week?

“I’m definitely sure that will be the case,” Adams added. Welsh fans hope he’s right.

There’s no shame in losing to Ireland right now. Andy Farrell’s team is rightly number 1 in the world and it showed how good they are.

Wales’ frustration will be that in the first 40 they handed Ireland the keys to the Principality Stadium by conceding a series of unnecessary penalties. He allowed Johnny Sexton to give his team field position and Ireland are ruthless in their opposition’s 22.

Josh Adams insisted there are no excuses for Wales’ disappointing performance.

Caelan Doris, James Ryan and James Lowe all scored in the first 21 minutes and Wales were never able to recover. That took the life out of a crowd that desperately needed something to cheer up after the build-up was dominated by allegations of sexism and misogyny in the WRU.

Welsh rugby’s governing body also banned its choir from singing Delilah. His supporters shouted it out despite everything.

“We said after the game that it was disappointing, of course it is,” Adams said. “But the feeling we had was that we wish the Scotland game was earlier because we’re all looking forward to going and fixing that as soon as possible.”

‘In the first 20 minutes Ireland dominated us in all facets. It was disappointing. Discipline will probably be mentioned a lot. He really let us down.

‘The review will be honest. It has to be because if you don’t have difficult conversations, then you’re just covering the cracks.’

Wales will be without veteran lock Alun Wyn Jones against Scotland due to a head injury

Wales will be without veteran lock Alun Wyn Jones against Scotland after suffering a head injury. Prop Tomas Francis is also a big doubt with a calf problem.

Gatland said he was “actually not that disappointed” with Wales’ performance, insisting that “there is a huge advantage” in his team. That advantage should come soon.

Resolving your discipline is a priority. He was also a problem during his poor fall season last year under Wayne Pivac.

In their last five games Wales have conceded 60 penalties with an average of 12 per game. The Gatland side had their chances and scored through Liam Williams, who also picked up a yellow card, but his chance conversion rate was poor.

Josh van der Flier’s latest try secured a well-deserved bonus point for Ireland, who are now preparing for a delicious clash with France. Saturday’s meeting in Dublin already has the feel of a title decision.

‘We know how excellent France is and the challenges it will bring. Getting off to a good start allows you to focus your mind,” Farrell said.

France have beaten Ireland in the last three Six Nations and Farrell added: ‘Being ourselves is the main thing, just playing our game. They are just as dangerous on the counter attack, they have a strong set piece and they are going to be powerful.